Veneers vs. Lumineers; Every Difference Explained

Veneers and Lumineers cover many cosmetic problems, such as teeth gaps, cracks, discoloration, and chips. What is the difference between Lumineers and veneers if they do a similar job? In this article, we talk about veneers vs. Lumineers, every difference you need to know before making a decision. If you are considering getting a veneer, this article is for you.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are a layer that is placed over your teeth. This layer can be made of porcelain or composite. Porcelain veneers are more durable and last longer than composite ones.

Pros of Veneers

• You get brighter teeth;
• It is entirely safe;
• It covers discoloration and stains;
• It is resistant to stains.

Cons of Veneers

• Your doctor has to shave your teeth;
• The procedure is irreversible.

What Are Lumineers?

Lumineers is a brand name of a porcelain veneer that is popular for its simple application. However, they differ from a typical veneer, which we will discuss further in this article.

Pros of Lumineers

• You don’t need any preparation;
• It can be done for crooked or misshaped teeth;
• No need to shave your teeth;
• It is reversible.

Cons of Lumineers

• It might look large;
• Not as long-lasting as veneers;
• Not so good at hiding tooth imperfections or damage.

Veneers vs. Lumineers; What Are the Differences?

There are three critical differences between veneers vs. Lumineers:

Application

Your dentist shaves a very thin layer of your enamel for veneers application, preventing your teeth from looking large. Then, they take a mold of your teeth to create the right veneers. You’ll have a temporary veneer for a while. Then you can have your permanent ones.

Your dentist does not need to shave your teeth for Lumineers. They take a mold and place your Lumineers. They are very thin and bond to your teeth with composite cement.

Stain Resistance

Veneers are ideal for stained teeth because they have a high stain resistance. Of course, you might see stains on the edge of your veneers after several years. But it shouldn’t be much trouble for you.

Lumineers are slim pieces of porcelain that reflect light just like a natural tooth. However, they tend to get stained more quickly. Your composite cement can also get stains.

Durability

Veneers are very durable and last more than ten years. If you take good care of them, they can even last more than twenty years. However, they are considered permanent because of the application process (shaving down). In other words, you cannot get much done on those teeth after veneers.

Studies showed that Lumineers usually do not last as long as veneers. Their average lifespan is hardly more than ten years. However, there aren’t enough studies on the durability of Lumineers to draw a definite conclusion.

Cost of Lumineers vs. Veneers

Generally, the total cost of veneers is more than Lumineers, because the procedure of placing a veneer is more complicated. However, the cost depends on different variables that change case by case. For example, if you don’t take care of your Lumineers, they might have a short life, and you would have to pay more to get them again.

	Veneers	Lumineers
Application	Enamel is shaved off. It takes four weeks to create a veneer from the teeth molds.	Enamel is not shaved off. It also takes four weeks to create a veneer from the teeth molds.
Stain Resistance	Highly resistant	Get stains more quickly
Durability	It can last for more than 20 years with proper care	It lasts about ten years with good care
Opacity and Thickness	It is highly opaque and covers the stains	It is much thinner and more translucent
Permanence	It can’t be taken off because the teeth have been shaven off	It can be taken off
Cost	Up to 25% more expensive	More affordable

Which One Should I Choose?

Now that you know the difference between veneers vs. Lumineers, how can you choose between the two? An experienced cosmetic dentist can help you make an informed decision, considering the pros and cons of Lumineers vs. veneers.

Aria Dental dentists can help you find the best oral and overall health options for porcelain veneers or Lumineers in Orange County or Mission Viejo. Contact us for a consultation so our team of experts can guide you through the procedure to get your ideal result.

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