These days, you have tons of options when it comes to just about anything. Movies, restaurants, music…one quick search on the internet will literally give you countless choices in seconds. Fortunately for people who may be self-conscious about their teeth, the same applies to cosmetic dentistry. For years, Lumineers and porcelain veneers have been two of the most popular treatments for making the smile more bright and beautiful, but which one is better? If you’re thinking about getting a smile makeover, would Lumineers or porcelain veneers on Long Island be the ideal choice? We put these two treatments side by side in today’s head-to-head blog.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
A porcelain veneer is a thin shell of dental ceramic that is bonded to the front of a tooth in order to change its appearance. Think of it like putting a new case on your phone. The veneer covers the tooth and is shaped to make it whiter, bigger, straighter…whatever a patient wants, because they are always custom-designed. They are typically made in a dental lab and placed by a patient’s cosmetic dentist.
What are Lumineers?
Lumineers are actually just a brand name for a particular type of veneer. Lumineers work the same way as porcelain veneers and can address the same aesthetic issues (more on this below), but the key difference is that Lumineers tend to be much thinner than porcelain veneers. A porcelain veneer is usually about 0.5mm thick, while Lumineers are 0.2mm.
Going Head-to-Head
Both porcelain veneers and Lumineers are able to correct common issues like stains, cracks, chips, and gaps, but most dentists will recommend that if you want to beautify your teeth and make sure they last, the better choice is porcelain veneers. That’s because their extra thickness helps them stand up to the daily wear and tear associated with normal chewing. On average, porcelain veneers can last for about 15-20 years, while the lifespan for Lumineers is 10 or less.
Also, Lumineers can sometimes not help with severely stained teeth because their thinness allows the discoloration to shine through. This is never an issue with porcelain veneers.
The process to get porcelain veneers usually starts with the dentist removing a small amount of enamel from the teeth in order to make sure they lay flat. This step isn’t necessary with Lumineers, making it a quicker and more conservative procedure. However, while Lumineers may help someone save time, they can often feel bulky in the mouth and take a while to get used to because they are simply placed on top of the teeth. With porcelain veneers, the extra step at the beginning helps ensure a more natural fit.
How to Decide
Of course, you shouldn’t make a decision about your dental care based on a blog alone! The best thing you can do is contact a highly-qualified cosmetic dentist on Long Island and discuss what you want to change about your teeth. From there, they’ll be able to go over your treatment options and let you know which one would be best for you. That way, whether you’re hoping to get a minor touch-up or completely transform your smile, you’re guaranteed to get gorgeous results.
About the Author
Dr. Allan Mohr is a cosmetic dentist with over 30 years of experience helping people achieve the smiles of their dreams. A member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and American Society of Dental Aesthetics, he’s able to completely personalize his patients’ treatments to ensure they enjoy a smooth experience and life changing outcomes. To learn more about these treatments and your other cosmetic options, he can be contacted by clicking here.