Veneers vs Lumineers

It’s hard to remember a time when movie stars and celebrities had anything but perfect teeth. ABC’s show “Extreme Makeover” made famous what can be done to fix a crooked smile. If you have been looking at cosmetic veneers, you have probably looked at your options of traditional veneers vs lumineers.

Dental veneers and lumineers are applied to the front teeth to improve appearance. Usually little or no anesthesia is required.  Both cosmetic dental procedures are placed to brighten teeth, fix misshapen teeth, mask discoloration and improve a smile. Both are also excellent, and can give you a whiter, brighter, straighter, and a generally gorgeous smile.

Veneers

Dental veneers are super-thin shells of ceramic or porcelain which are bonded to the front of teeth. These thin pieces of porcelain recreate the natural look. Veneers are usually made by a dental lab technician that works from a model provided by your dentist. Traditional veneers are not reversible since it is necessary to remove a small amount of tooth enamel to accommodate the veneer.

Veneers have a longer life expectancy than dental bonding. Typically, porcelain veneers will take three appointments:

  • Diagnosis and treatment planning.
  • Preparation and fabricating temporary veneers
  • Bonding the veneers on to your teeth.

Lumineers

Lumineers or no-prep veneers are ultra-thin (and can be as thin as 0.2 mm) where traditional veneers tend to be thicker. Lumineers are highly translucent allowing them to more closely replicate the natural appearance of your teeth. Since lumineers are thinner than traditional veneers, in many cases they can be fit without grinding down the tooth structure.

Since lumineers are much thinner and more translucent than traditional veneers, they will not mask darkly stained or discolored teeth. Also, lumineers can usually be bonded on without grinding of the tooth structure, the resulting tooth will feel thicker and present a thicker edge at the gum line.

Not every patient is a candidate for lumineers or no-prep veneers – if you have teeth crowding, old restorations on a tooth or deep stain, to name a few, the actual tooth structure will have to be re-shaped, but the good news is that not every tooth may require preparation.

Dr. Reem Kidess

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Veneers vs lumineers, which is best for you? The good news is the traditional dental veneers, lumineers and other cosmetic procedures can be combined to give a complete smile makeover. Dr. Kidess approaches each patient with a unique perspective, which ensures that all clients receive the personalized treatment they deserve. Dr. Kidess can ensure that your smile is beautiful and perfect again.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Kidess, contact our Scottsdale dental office at (480) 991-2290.

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