For an upcoming dental treatment, you may have narrowed your choices to Lumineers or veneers. That’d be quite good – either type of shell could greatly enhance your grin’s good looks! Still, you should know the major differences between Lumineers and veneers before you commit to care. The good news is that your Mesquite dentist can share those key details. So, here are four differences between Lumineers and veneers you should consider before treatment.
Treatment Materials
Even if both procedures involve shells, Lumineers and veneers use different materials. This contrast can lead to noteworthy changes in your treatment results.
To be specific, the two sets of shells use varying kinds of porcelain. Lumineers are made of ultra-thin carinate porcelain that ranges from .2 to .5 mm in thickness, so they can be fragile. Veneers are made of thicker generic porcelain, making them more resistant to cracks, chips, and staining.
Treatment Application
The two treatments also differ in their application process. Often, dentists will place Lumineers and veneers in varying ways.
In particular, the two procedures have different “prep” processes. Because Lumineers are super thin and quickly bond to teeth, dentists don’t have to shave your enamel to place them. However, dentists must remove some enamel from the treatment site to place regular veneers; that means getting the latter type of shell can take longer.
Treatment Cost
Though they may seem similar, veneers and Lumineers have distinct costs. One treatment is usually more expensive than the other.
In fact, Lumineers are often the cheaper option compared to veneers. The fact that they require less prep work means dentists don’t have to work as hard to place them. On the other hand, veneers’ extended preparation makes them the pricier choice for most patients.
Treatment Appearance
Lastly, note how Lumineers and veneers vary in their appearance. These two cosmetic services differ in their looks once your treatment is over.
Overall, you could say Lumineers don’t look as lifelike as veneers. These shells are often semi-transparent and can reveal a tinge of yellow beneath themselves. That said, veneers don’t have this issue; their high-grade porcelain looks like natural enamel and blends seamlessly with your smile.
Would you like to learn other differences between Lumineers and veneers? If so, just consult your dental provider – they’ll gladly tell you more!
About the Author
Dr. Richard Fossum is a dentist based in Temple, TX, having earned his DDS from the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry. His many years in the dental field have made him an expert in preventive, cosmetic, and restorative smile work! For that reason, both young and old patients can trust him to make their grins healthier and prettier than ever! Dr. Fossum now practices at his self-titled clinic and is reachable on his website and by phone at (254)-831-4397.