Veneers vs. Lumineers: Which One is Right for You?

Are you dealing with:

  • Severe tooth staining
  • Minor tooth chips or cracks
  • Irregularly-sized teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Or misshapen teeth?

Then you might be interested in Veneers or Lumineers!

They are both excellent ways to improve your smile dramatically. Keep on reading to find out the differences between them, and which one might suit you best.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are a thin layer of porcelain designed to cover the front surface of the natural tooth. It’s mostly a cosmetic procedure, but it can also help restore minor to moderate damage to the tooth, such as cracks or chips.

Pros:

  • They dramatically improve the appearance of teeth 
  • They are stain-resistant
  • They are a permanent smile upgrade
  • They provide long-lasting results, with some patients keeping their new smiles for as long as 20 years with the right maintenance

Cons:

  • They require slight shaving of the enamel to create a rough surface texture to properly bond with the tooth
  • They are a permanent commitment. Tooth enamel does not regenerate, so opting for veneers is a life-long decision.

What Are Lumineers?

Lumineers are a type of veneer. They essentially work the same way, the major difference between them is their thickness.

Lumineers are much thinner than traditional veneers, which means they can bond to the natural tooth without having to shave the enamel. They are commonly called no-prep veneers.

Pros:

  • They are semi-permanent, so you can reverse the procedure with little to no damage to your natural teeth
  • They are less expensive than veneers
  • They require less preparation

Cons:

  • They are more translucent, meaning they may not effectively cover significant cosmetic issues such as bad discoloration or staining;
  • They usually don’t last as long as veneers, though maintenance can play a huge role here
  • They have a higher risk of loosening than veneers

Which One Is Right for You?

Both traditional veneers and Lumineers can offer excellent results, and they both have their downsides. 

Choosing one over the other usually boils down to a few factors:

  • How big are your cosmetic issues?
  • Do you want to commit to a permanent procedure or want something reversible?
  • What’s your budget for dental cosmetic treatments?
  • How ready are you to maintain either veneers or Lumineers to make your new smile last?

Of course, it can be difficult to answer all these questions on your own, which is why we recommend seeing Dr. Leah for a cosmetic dental appointment.

Are You Ready to Get Your Dream Smile?

Dr. Leah can help you unlock your best path toward a brand new smile, whether it’s through veneers, Lumineers, or any other types of cosmetic interventions.

To get started, feel free to book an appointment at Bespoke Dentistry online and stop by for a visit!

For more information about our services, don’t hesitate to call us at (780) 700-0570 for a short chat!

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