Dental lumineers and veneers are both dental treatments that can be used to correct a variety of cosmetic flaws. When deciding which treatment is right for you, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of each. Lumineer treatments are great for people that want to improve their smile and want little to no prep work done to their natural teeth. Lumineers are becoming more popular because they require fewer visits to the dentist than veneers do. On the other hand, veneers can take a longer time to complete but can be a better choice for specific situations.
What Are Lumineers?
Lumineers may be a new dental procedure to you, but they have been around for over 20 years. Lumineers are a type of dental veneer that is much thinner, translucent, and stain-resistant. They can be used to cover up stained or unusually shaped teeth or to make teeth look straighter. Lumineers are made out of porcelain material and custom-made to fit each patient’s teeth perfectly. Due to how thin they are, they can easily fit on top of your natural teeth without any enamel removal. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to improve your smile, lumineers may be the right procedure for you.
What Are Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. They can be used to correct discoloration, chips, and misalignment. Veneers are a popular cosmetic treatment because they can achieve dramatic results in a short amount of time. Veneers require the removal of some of your natural tooth material since they are thicker than Lumineers. You will receive temporary veneers before receiving your permanent veneers while those are being created. Due to the need for removing some natural tooth enamel, you want to be sure your teeth are protected.
Traditional Porcelain Veneers vs. Composite Veneers
Traditional veneers are usually made of ceramic and are very durable. Composite veneers are made of plastic or resin and are less durable than porcelain veneers, but they can often be a more affordable option. Composite resin also looks great but not as natural as porcelain does against your natural teeth. They are usually more prone to chipping and have to be replaced more often. Traditional porcelain veneers will last anywhere from 10-15 years, whereas composite only lasts 4-8 years before needing replacing. Which type is best for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Who Needs Lumineers or Veneers?
Many times, patients choose to get veneers and Lumineers for cosmetic reasons. These include stained or misshapen teeth. But they can also be used for more critical situations such as chipped or broken teeth. Lumineers are not always a good choice for severely discolored teeth due to them being very thin and translucent. Also, it is important to note that insurance providers typically do not cover the cost of cosmetic procedures since they are elective.
Benefits of Veneers or Lumineers
Choosing to have veneers of any kind on your teeth comes with many benefits. They can transform your smile and give you the self-confidence you have been dreaming of. These benefits include:
- They offer you a natural appearance, so they blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
- It can cover up cosmetic issues on your teeth, such as cracks, broken teeth, misshapen teeth, or stains.
- They are a permanent tooth whitening solution for patients with stained teeth.
- They can increase your self-confidence, and you can rest easy, knowing your smile will always be beautiful.
- They are very low maintenance, only needing repairs if they chip or after 10-15 years when it is time for a replacement.
FAQS About Lumineers and Veneers
Do they damage your natural teeth?
Lumineers do not damage your teeth. They do not require any tooth enamel to be removed for the veneer to be applied. On the other hand, Veneers require a small amount of enamel to be removed. This means that traditional veneers are a permanent procedure.
Are these treatments only for fixing broken or chipped teeth?
These treatments can be for whoever wants to change their smile. They are typically done for more cosmetic reasons and are best at covering discolored or broken teeth.
How much do these treatments cost?
You may be wondering how much do veneers and Lumineers cost. This will vary for each patient and depend on how many teeth you want to be done and what material you choose. Veneers, on average, can cost between $950 and $2,500 per tooth. Lumineers typically cost about the same amount of money as traditional veneers, but it is best to consult with your dentist to get an accurate quote.
Is the treatment painful?
The procedure for both of these options is a pain-free experience. Patients report very minimal discomfort or none at all. This is because the process is minimally invasive.
Can I take them off if I do not like them?
Your dentist can remove Lumineers with no damage to the tooth since no enamel removal was required. Veneers are a permanent procedure and cannot be removed without placing new veneers on the tooth. This is because we have prepared teeth by removing some of the enamel. You will always need to protect your teeth by having some type of veneer covering them.
Contact Crossroads Dental for a Consultation
Crossroads Dental is proud to be a community dental practice that is serving the needs of our patients in Owings Mills, MD. We offer cosmetic dentistry services and specialized procedures such as Lumineers® and Invisalign®. Our team will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan designed just for your unique situation to be comfortable and affordable. To learn more about what we have to offer or how we can help you achieve a healthier smile, call our office today at (410)-363-2121!