The Differences Between Lumineers and Veneers
Your smile is part of your first impression to the world. How white one's teeth are or how crooked our smile makes all the difference in terms of landing that job, promotion, or even a date!
If you have chipped or cracked teeth, you may want to invest in dental work to improve your smile, which means you may choose to have either porcelain veneers or lumineers. But what's the difference between the two, and which is best for your teeth? We’ve outlined these details below.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are essentially a thin layer of porcelain that is put over the natural tooth after some of your tooth’s enamel has been removed. The porcelain is bonded directly to the desired teeth. Whether only one tooth is in need of repair or an entire mouth, veneers are useful to ensure a beautiful smile.
Veneers can be used to repair a number of different issues:
Discolored or stained teeth
Misshapen teeth
Worn out dental issues
Gaps and spaces between teeth
Cracks and chips or fractures
Veneers are very durable and can last a long time. It's not difficult to take care of new veneers either, making them ideal for patients who desire a low-maintenance procedure. In fact, with the right home care routine and regular dental check-ups, your new smile could last for years into the future.
Lumineers
Lumineers are also made of porcelain and can be put directly on top of a broken, misshapen, or discolored tooth as well. Lumineers thinner and finer than the typical porcelain veneers, and have the thickness of a contact lens.
It is less difficult to apply lumineers than to apply veneers because tooth enamel does not need to be removed with lumineers as it does veneers. As such, they may appear bulkier when applied. Since this repair strategy is easier to apply, they do not last as long as veneers due to their thinness and require more attention and follow-up care.
If you are looking for a longer-lasting fix, veneers may be the answer for you. But if you desire a quicker fix, lumineers may be the route you take. Whether you decide on veneers, lumineers, or other dental repairs, our staff at Robert A. Neal DDS Family Dentistry is ready to provide you the answers to any of your questions. To schedule a consultation, call us at (972) 200-0656.