Veneers vs. Lumineers

Both veneers and Lumineers can improve the appearance of teeth by hiding stains and discolorations, repairing minor chips and cracks, closing gaps and correcting misshapen or uneven teeth. So what exactly are they, and what is the difference between them?

Veneers are extremely thin layers of porcelain that are placed on the front side of teeth. Lumineers are the same thing, except they are much thinner. While a veneer can be as thin as 0.5 mm, Lumineers are usually between 0.2 and 0.3 mm, making them about the thickness of a contact lens. Though similar, this difference in thickness leads to differences in the application and effectiveness of the two products.

To place a veneer, a small amount of tooth enamel must be removed, making the procedure irreversible. In contrast, Lumineers do not require the removal of enamel. Therefore, Lumineers placement is done with no drilling and no shots. This makes Lumineers beneficial for patients who fear dental procedures.

Lumineers though have some drawbacks. Since they are so thin, they are not as effective with hiding the color of teeth. For this reason, they are not ideal for those who have heavily stained or discolored teeth. Furthermore, when a patient needs more drastic improvements to their teeth, veneers are normally more appropriate. Lumineers are best for those who have only minor tooth defects.

To learn which treatment is best for your particular case, schedule a consultation with our porcelain veneers dentist today.