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What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are wafer-thin shells designed to cover the front surfaces of teeth. They are often used to improve the appearance of teeth by changing their shade, shape, and, sometimes, even alignment. Since they are thin and made from semi-translucent materials, they look natural and are not bulky. Moreover, dental veneers are customised to the shape of your natural teeth, so they blend in well and are not noticeable as artificial teeth.
Veneers are considered a cosmetic dental procedure that can hide aesthetic issues such as cracked teeth, minor misalignment, discolouration, chips, mildly crooked teeth, and some gaps between teeth.
Traditionally, dental veneers are made from porcelain materials and require tooth preparation to get them ready for placement. Today, there are other alternatives, such as Lumineers.
What Is the Difference Between Lumineers and Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers and Lumineers are both dental veneers, but they have key differences in bonding procedure, durability, and appearance. Here’s what you need to know about them:
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are the most commonly used material for making dental veneers. The shells are thin, but tooth preparation is required to fit them over the teeth without being bulky. Some of the features and differences of porcelain veneers from Lumineers may include the following:
- Requires tooth preparation. Although porcelain veneers are thin, the placement process still involves removing a thin layer of tooth enamel to accommodate the veneer on the tooth’s surface. After trimming the enamel, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth to create custom veneers.
- Stain-resistant.Porcelain veneers are not porous as natural teeth, so they do not absorb and can better resist stains, providing a bright smile for many years.
- Lengthy application process. Generally, porcelain veneers are applied in a multistep process. First is the removal of enamel. Then, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send it to a dental laboratory. There, a technician will create custom-made veneers using the mould. Once the veneers are ready, your dentist will bond them to the front surface of your teeth.
- They can last longer.Classic porcelain veneers may last 10 to 15 years on average. Other studies claim they can last longer if properly taken care of.
- It may be high in cost. On average, porcelain veneers may cost more than Lumineers. Yet, the cost may vary depending on factors unique to each patient.
Lumineers
Lumineers are a brand of dental veneer that is very thin and are made of cerinate porcelain material. Some critical differences between Lumineers from traditional porcelain veneers are the following:
- Less invasive. One of the main advantages of Lumineers is that they don't require reducing the tooth since they are much thinner than porcelain veneers. As a result, they can be a more conservative option for those looking to improve their smile.
- They are thinner. Lumineers are thinner and more transparent than conventional porcelain veneers. They can bond on each tooth surface without needing to trim the tooth.
- Claim to last for 20 years. While some may claim that Lumineers have an average shelf life of 20 years, that may not always be the case. Lumineers are thinner than traditional permanent veneers, so they are more vulnerable to the harsh effects of chewing. This also makes them more prone to chips and cracks. Hence, proper dental care is highly recommended to prolong their lifespan.
- The application process is shorter. You'll still need to come in for two appointments, but the first one will be shorter since your dentist won't need to prepare your teeth. They'll take an impression or mould of your teeth to create the custom-fit veneers. Once they're ready, your dentist will schedule your second appointment, where they will bond them to your teeth.
- Less cost alternative. Lumineers are cheaper than porcelain veneers. However, the final cost depends on the individual case. Your dentist can give you a more accurate estimate once they have assessed your needs.
Which Is Better: Lumineers or Porcelain Veneers?
- The severity of the cosmetic issue. All types of dental veneers are designed to mask or hide teeth imperfections. Porcelain veneers are made of thin, translucent shells used to mask cosmetic dental issues. On the other hand, Lumineers are considerably thinner and more transparent, making them less effective in masking severely discoloured teeth.
- Duration of the bonding process. As mentioned, porcelain veneers need teeth preparation, while Lumineers do not. An impression of the teeth is all that is required. Such differences make the application of porcelain veneers a little longer than Lumineers.
- Invasiveness. Lumineers are thinner shells and do not require the removal of natural tooth structure during the preparation process. Porcelain veneers are placed over existing teeth after a small amount of tooth structure removal, which means it is more invasive than Lumineers.
- Durability. Porcelain veneers are known to be durable and can last for 15 years or more with proper care. Lumineers are a thinner, more fragile option but can also display such longevity. However, they are also more susceptible to staining and discolouration and require extra care.
Do Porcelain Veneers Look More Natural than Lumineers?
When it comes to choosing between porcelain veneers and Lumineers, one of the biggest concerns is always going to be how natural they look. After all, nobody wants their smile to look fake or artificial. Fortunately, both porcelain veneers and Lumineers can give you a beautiful smile. However, there are some key differences between the two options regarding the appearance of teeth.
Lumineers are ultra-thin veneers and look semi-transparent, making them an excellent option for individuals looking to enhance their smile and who only have mild stains. While this feature may still create a natural-looking smile, its limited ability to change colour means it might look flat white. In some cases, Lumineers may result in an opaque appearance and lack a degree of translucency. It could turn some patients off because they may be so obvious and not look as natural as they want them to be. Additionally, because Lumineers are much thinner than porcelain, they might not be able to hide severe tooth discolouration.
Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, can be made in any shade you want. You can select from a wide variety of tooth shades to ensure you pick the right shade that will not look chalky or too white. They are custom-crafted, so they can pretty much match the shape of natural teeth. Also, the translucent properties of porcelain allow the veneer to catch light quite similar to how a natural tooth does.
Can Lumineers Be Removed?
Lumineers are often proclaimed as “no-prep veneers,” meaning no tooth structure must be removed for them to be attached. This no-prep approach is one of the main reasons people choose Lumineers over other types of cosmetic veneers. It preserves tooth structure and allows the Lumineers to be removed by a dentist at any time without damaging the teeth. Because the natural tooth structure was not ground down, the natural teeth are left intact after removal.
On the other hand, if your dentist has removed a significant amount of tooth structure, your natural teeth will be left without any protective outer layer after removing veneers. That means they won’t match the other teeth around them and will be sensitive and prone to decay.
How Much Are Lumineers vs. Porcelain Veneers?
There’s also quite a difference between the two regarding their cost. Generally, the average cost of treatment for porcelain veneers may range between $1820 and $2500 per tooth, while Lumineers, which tend to be cheaper, may cost between $800 and $2000 per tooth. These are only estimated prices and may change depending on factors such as the number of teeth, location, and other significant factors.
Cost is often a major consideration when deciding whether to opt for porcelain veneers or lumineers, but it’s also essential to consider quality. Ultimately, the best way to determine which option is best for you is to consult a qualified dental professional who can help you weigh the quality of each option and give you more accurate costs.
Final Thoughts
At Magical Smiles, we want what’s best for you. So, talk to our dentist about which treatment is suitable for you and explore more cosmetic dentistry services. Call our dental clinic at (03) 8358 2565 or book an appointment on our website.