How Do Veneers Differ From Lumineers?
Lumineers and veneers are both popular for correcting teeth imperfections. However, there are some differences between these two bonding techniques that you should know before choosing either one. Some of these differences fall under:
Structural Designs
Veneers are thin shells used for bonding the front teeth. They are usually made from porcelain, but they can also be made from composite material. Lumineers, on the other hand, are made exclusively from porcelain. They are much thinner than veneers, roughly the same thickness as a contact lens.
Appearance
When it comes to the final appearance, most people are more contented with lumineers than with veneers. This is probably because the former are slightly translucent, and can blend in with your natural teeth because they almost look the same. Veneers, however, are slightly thicker and bring some level of opaqueness to your corrected teeth. This may make your smile look unnatural.
Preoperative Preparation
Before placing the veneers, your dentist will have to drill down your teeth so that they can fit. As you might suspect, this leaves your teeth without its natural protective layer, which can make them more sensitive. As you may suspect, you will need some general anesthesia before veneer installation, but the same is not true for lumineers. All these preoperative preparations mean that veneers require more work to fit them as compared to lumineers. The thin nature of lumineers means that you don't have to remove any teeth structure to fit them.
Durability
As for durability, veneers take the lead because of their relative thickness. Some people have been using the same veneers for over two decades now while lumineers begin to lose their attractive looks after about seven or eight years. Of course, taking care of your oral health helps you to enjoy the maximum useful life of each teeth bonding technique.
Cost
As you would expect, lumineers are slightly costlier than veneers. According to CostHelper, Inc., you should expect to spend about $500 to $1100 for your veneers and $500 to $1300 for lumineers. The respective costs depend on a number of factors such as the degree of your dental imperfections and the charges for dental work in your local area. There is a big overlap of prices here, so you should consult your dentist to get an actual pricing for both procedures.
Hopefully, this brief comparison will help you to choose between veneers and lumineers for your teeth restoration. Of course, you should also discuss the issue candidly with your cosmetic dentist before making up your mind. Don't forget to tell the dentist your expectations to improve your chances of getting satisfied with the result.
Share