Veneers or Lumineers – Which Is Best for Your Smile?

Are you unhappy with the smile you see in the mirror? If so, then you might consider getting porcelain veneers as an all-inclusive treatment for enhancing your pearly whites. Not only can they offer a virtually permanent whitening solution, but they’ll also conceal most dental flaws. However, lumineers can provide similar jaw-dropping results. So, how do you know which one is right for you? Read on to learn the differences between the two treatments and how you can determine which is ideal for your situation.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are wafer-thin porcelain shells that are designed to cover the front surface of compromised teeth to mask any minor dental imperfections. Before they can be bonded, your dentist will have to prepare your affected pearly whites by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for them. Impressions will be taken and after a few weeks, the final veneers will be cemented to the front of your teeth. You can expect to enjoy the following benefits:

• Appearance: You can change the size, shape, and color of either one or a whole set of teeth. They’ll be specifically designed to match the rest of your smile, providing natural-looking results.
• Long-lasting: With proper care, your veneers can last 15 years or more. They’re also durable and can withstand excessive pressure from chewing like natural enamel.
• Stain resistant: Since veneers are non-porous, they won’t be easily stained like your permanent teeth. This means you won’t have to worry about frequent whitening treatments.

What Are Lumineers?

Lumineers can also conceal minor dental flaws from your smile, but they don’t require any preparation of your pearly whites. These layers are exceptionally thin and can be immediately bonded to the front of your smile with a special adhesive without causing it to appear bulky. Here are several advantages that come from this method:

• More affordable: While Lumineers still have a higher initial value compared to most cosmetic dental treatments, they tend to be less expensive than veneers.
• Less invasive: This treatment doesn’t involve removing your tooth enamel, making it much less invasive than veneers.
• Reversible: Your tooth enamel will not be able to grow back once it’s been altered. Lumineers change nothing from your natural teeth, so you can get them removed whenever you want.

Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Both cosmetic treatments are highly effective at improving your teeth in the long run. The best way to know which solution is right for you is to schedule an initial consultation with your dentist. They’ll discuss your options as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure. So, if you’re interested in these cosmetic dental treatments, feel free to set up an appointment with your dental team. They’ll be more than happy to see if you’re a good candidate and help you get started with creating a beautiful smile!

About the Author

Dr. Christopher Capehart is a member of several groups such as the Dallas County Dental Society and the American Dental Association. He studied at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and continues to seek advanced training to expand his techniques. He offers a multitude of comprehensive services, including porcelain veneers and lumineers. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call 972-436-1325.