Veneers vs. Lumineers®: What You Need to Know, Pros & Cons

When you have stained, cracked, or chipped teeth, you have two treatment options, a dental veneer or crown. Unfortunately, dental crowns tend to be thicker, meaning they require removing a significant amount of enamel. If you have moderate dental imperfections, a dentist may recommend getting dental veneers near you.

Traditional veneers follow a similar procedure like crowns. However, we have an alternative to veneers that is thinner and faster to apply: Lumineers®.

Lumineers are thinner, less expensive, and faster to apply than veneers. But, choosing between these two options can be challenging. Below we look at their differences and similarities.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental Veneers are shells that cover the front surface of your teeth. Veneers can improve the appearance of your teeth by hiding dental flaws such as chips, cracks, and discoloration.

Veneers are porcelain. They are typically thin, so placing them over the teeth does not change the natural appearance of your teeth. Veneers can also close or open up space between teeth.

They are an ideal choice for stained, worn, or chipped teeth. Veneers can cover up crooked and misshapen front teeth. Veneers are also a popular choice for patients who want to improve the size and shape of their teeth.

What are Lumineers?

Lumineers are a cosmetic covering used by dentists to improve the appearance of your smile, just like any other veneers. They are a type of veneer that is thinner, less expensive, and easier to apply than regular veneers. Lumineers require less preparation on the teeth, and you can remove them when needed.

Veneers vs. Lumineers; How Do They Differ?

Both veneers and Lumineers cover stained, chipped, or crooked teeth.

One of the main differences between veneers and Lumineers is that Lumineers are thinner than veneers. Veneers are about 1 millimeter thick, while Lumineers are only 0.2 millimeters thick. Lumineers are less likely to cause the teeth to become sensitive.

Another difference between veneers and Lumineers is that Lumineers are more translucent than veneers, meaning they are less noticeable than traditional veneers.

What are the Pros of Veneers?

• Dental veneers in Stockton can cover many dental problems, including chips, cracks, stains, and gaps between teeth.
• They make them from durable materials that can last for many years with proper care.
• Veneers can subtly change the appearance of your teeth, making them look more attractive and youthful.
• Veneers can be placed very quickly in a single visit to the Stockton dentist.

What are the Cons of Veneers?

• Veneers require preparation of the tooth surface before placement. It means that your teeth will need to be shaved down or otherwise altered for veneers to fit correctly.
• Veneers will not correct more severe problems, such as gaps between teeth or misaligned teeth. They work best for subtle changes and corrections to the front six teeth.
• Veneers can be rather expensive, and insurance may not cover all or part of the cost of veneer dental procedures.

What are the Pros of Lumineers?

• Lumineers don’t need any preparation of the tooth surface.
• They are thin, so they do not require the removal of any natural tooth structure.
• Lumineers can correct a wide range of dental problems, including gaps between teeth, misaligned teeth, and even severe cases of crooked teeth.
• They are long-lasting and can last up to 20 years with proper care.
• Lumineers are a tooth-colored material which means they will not alter your teeth in any way.
• Lumineers require no preparation of the tooth surface before placement.

What are the Cons of Lumineers?

• Veneers can last for many years, while Lumineers can only last up to 10 years.
• Lumineers don’t have the same strength as traditional veneers.

Veneers and Lumineers can change the appearance of the teeth, but they offer different benefits and cons. Visit a dental office near you for assistance on which option is ideal for you.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Lakefront Smiles for more information about Lumineers and Veneers and how they work.