Lumineers vs. Veneers

Choosing the right Manhattan cosmetic dentist to complete your smile makeover is essential, but so is selecting the right procedure to upgrade your teeth. There are important distinctions between Lumineers and porcelain veneers. Personal preference is often the deciding factor, but there are many details to consider as you make your choice.

Lumineers and Veneers Are Uniquely Constructed

Lumineers by Cerinate are made of extremely thin porcelain, as thin as contact lenses and even thinner than traditional porcelain veneers. No matter what type of veneers you choose, they are customized in size, shape, length, color, and translucency so they blend with your teeth and look natural once they are put permanently in place.

The Difference Between the Application of Lumineers and Veneers

Lumineers and veneers are permanently bonded to the front of each individual tooth. Getting to that point is where the two cosmetic enhancements truly differ.

Lumineers are considered the least-invasive way to upgrade your teeth. Similar to prepless veneers, Lumineers require only a teeth cleaning and light sanding to get each tooth ready for its veneer.
Porcelain veneers are different in that they require enamel to be sanded and shaved down from each treated tooth to make room for the thicker (but still very thin) veneer. Because of this step, and because it usually takes two visits to your Manhattan cosmetic dentist to complete the veneer procedure, temporary veneers are fitted and worn until the permanent veneers are ready. People who are getting Lumineers don’t have to worry about temporaries while they wait for their custom veneers.

The Current Condition of a Patient’s Teeth Impacts Veneer Choice

Lumineers and veneers are designed to cover problematic teeth. Whether you want to hide chips, stains, gaps, misalignment, breaks, or short teeth, both types of veneers can get the job done. Veneers, in general, are also beneficial to oral health, protecting tooth structure and strengthening weak enamel.
If your teeth and gums are unhealthy, however, dental restorations will have to be done first. This may include the placement of porcelain crowns, root canal, tooth-colored fillings, even gum disease treatment and dental implants.

Once oral health has been restored, it’s time to take stock of your smile again and see where and how veneers fit in. Some tooth restorations correct an aesthetic problem, eliminating the need for veneers. Other repairs complement Lumineers or veneers, creating a truly flawless smile makeover.
Taking Dental Anxiety Into Consideration

Patients who are anxious about being in the dentist’s chair but determined to improve their smile understandably prefer a non-invasive procedure like Lumineers. The minimal prep means there is usually no need for local anesthesia. No needles plus no drill equals happy patients.

Some patients have anxiety because they are worried about what will happen if they decide down the road that they don’t want Lumineers anymore or do not like the look of the Lumineers. The procedure is reversible, and teeth will not be any worse for the wear.

Choose the Right Veneers for Your Smile

While both Lumineers and veneers are designed to give you a flawless, perfect smile, they vary slightly in final product. Though Lumineers are super-thin, they can appear a little thicker and chunkier than veneers. The no-prep element of Lumineers is very appealing to many patients, but the aesthetic results of porcelain veneers may truly give patients the look they’ve been envisioning for themselves.

Ultimately, personal preference, budget, and dental anxiety will be the major deciding factors as you weigh the pros and cons of Lumineers by Cerinate and traditional porcelain veneers. Your Midtown Manhattan cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael J. Wei will guide you through the process, answering any questions you have about both procedures, and helping you make the final decision.

No matter what kind of smile makeover you choose, the work will be meticulously done, the results will be flawless, and your new smile will be truly life-changing. Contact us at our Midtown Manhattan dental office to schedule your consultation.