The similarities and differences between veneers and lumineers will help you determine the best for you. Although there are several dental restoration methods, veneers and lumineers are among the most popular ones.
Both dental solutions achieve the same goal, but some differences set them apart. However, before considering their differences, one must know what they are before stepping into Dentakay dental clinic for one.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are custom-made shells that are made from resin composite or porcelain. They look and feel like natural teeth and cover up chipped teeth, broken teeth, gaps, cracks, stains, and other imperfections by permanently bonding them to your teeth.
Composite veneers are less popular than porcelain veneers. They also last less time. While porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years, their composite counterpart can only last an average of 4-8 years.
Also, composite veneers can only cover mild issues, but porcelain veneers can cover a wide range of aesthetic imperfections.
Veneers will be fitted over the front surface of your tooth and are usually approximately 0.5 millimetres thick. Your tooth enamel will be trimmed so the veneer can fit in correctly, but the dentist will remove less tooth enamel when compared to crowns.
Before the dentist can apply porcelain veneers, they must make a mould or impression of the tooth and send it to the laboratory. You will be given temporary acrylic veneers before the permanent one is ready. This application process is carried out over several visits.
What are Lumineers?
Lumineers, is a brand of veneers that DenMat dental laboratories manufacture. It is made from ultrathin laminate. Compared to traditional veneers, lumineers are 0.3mm thick, making them easier to place.
Also, they don’t require enamel removal, earning them the name no-prep veneers. Because it doesn’t require prep work, the application process is painless, so you won’t need anaesthetics.
However, their thinness comes with several implications, one of which is that they are less durable. Comparing Veneers vs lumineers, veneers last longer and are permanent. But lumineers are removable. For more details about the Lumineers you can read this article Lumineers: Everything about one-day smile.
What are the differences Between Veneers and Lumineers?
Veneers and lumineers are both used to restore your confident smile, but lumineers as a brand of veneer differs in some ways. The differences between veneers and lumineers include the following:
Durability
Veneers are more durable than lumineers. Although they are both estimated to last 20 years or more, the thinness of lumineers makes them more susceptible to damage. In veneers vs lumineers, porcelain veneers will most likely last longer.
Invasiveness
Due to the thickness of veneers, they require prep work before they can be bonded permanently. This involves trimming the surface area of your tooth to create room for the veneers.
In veneers vs lumineers, lumineers are less invasive because they don’t require prep work. The dentist fixes lumineers directly to your teeth.
Also, fixing lumineers is painless because it doesn’t involve prep work. But, the preparation process for veneers is painful and may require anaesthetics.
Efficacy
Veneers are more effective at covering tooth decay and severely stained teeth. They are more opaque than lumineers because of their thickness which gives them an advantage over ultrathin lumineers.
Though lumineers can cover unusually shaped teeth and cracks, they are not a good option if you have severely discoloured teeth or decaying teeth.
Term
Lumineers are semi-permanent and can be removed later if you decide to. On the other hand, veneers are permanent because of the prep work done that reduces your enamel.
Application Process
The application process of veneers vs lumineers is longer. Your dentist needs to prep your teeth before making a mould. You will need several appointments to get your veneers fixed.
After your dentist takes the impression or mould, temporary acrylic veneers will be given to you, and the mould will be sent to a dental laboratory. At the laboratory, they will design custom-made veneers for you, and it takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks to be made.
However, lumineers will require at least two appointments, and since there’s no prep work, it takes a shorter time. Your dentist only needs to take the mould of the teeth and send it to DenMat dental laboratory for customisation.
Your lumineers will be ready within 2 to 4 weeks then your dentist will set a second appointment where it will be bonded to your teeth.
Cost
The prep work involved in fixing veneers makes them more expensive. The average veneer cost is between $925 and $2500 per tooth.
On the other hand, lumineers are less expensive. Their average cost is between $800 and $2000. The cost difference between veneers and lumineers is $125 and $500.
Veneers vs Lumineers: Which is Right for Me?
Both veneers and lumineers are effective in restoring your smile and confidence. However, your decision will be based on factors such as your budget and the kind of imperfection you want to cover.
Besides other pros and cons of veneers vs lumineers, a significant consideration is your aesthetic imperfection. If it is tooth decay or severe discolouration, traditional veneers are preferable to lumineers.
Another factor to consider is whether you want something permanent or not. Veneers are permanent, and you can’t go back on your decision. But if you want your original teeth back, lumineers are a better option.
Lastly, consider your budget. Veneers are more expensive than lumineers, so if your budget is tight, lumineers may be the better choice.
Conclusion
Veneers are tooth-shaped custom-made shells that are permanently bonded to the surface of the teeth to improve appearance. They are suitable for cracks, broken teeth, discoloured teeth, and coverage gaps. They are approximately 0.5 mm thick and will require trimming the surface of your teeth to fit them correctly.
On the other hand, lumineers are a brand of veneers that is 0.3mm thick. DenMat dental laboratories manufacture it. It doesn’t require prep work, so it’s easier to fix. When you compare veneers vs lumineers, you will find that veneers are more durable. Lumineers are cheaper and quicker to fit but are not suitable for severe discolouration and tooth decay.
Lumineers are a great option to help a patient repair his or her smile. They allow the patient to keep the original tooth and enhance his or her appearance. They can be used to help improve misshapen or discolored teeth. They can also help correct the appearance of chipped or damaged teeth and eliminate space and gaps between the teeth.