Here at Perfecting Your Smile, we find that most of Jamestowne South Dental’s patients have at least heard of dental veneers, but Lumineers are often a more novel concept that leads to some inquisitive questions. Both are excellent options for covering discolored teeth, and both are reasonable options for our patients. But which option is best when looking at Lumineers vs. veneers? Let’s weigh the pros and cons of each offering.

Materials Used for Veneers

In most cases, veneers are made of a porcelain material and require quite a bit of preparation to get them ready for application. Still, they are durable, permanent options for making your teeth look whiter and straighter.

Materials Used for Lumineers

Lumineers are a little different in that they are made up of an ultra-thin laminate. Often referred to as “no-prep” veneers, they can be applied more quickly in part because of the more workable material.

How to Determine Which is Right for You

There are a number of factors that may help a patient determine which option is the best one for them. The following are a few factors that may play into making a decision:

#1 Cost

Veneers are typically between $950 and $2,500 per tooth, while Lumineers cost between $800 and $2,000 per tooth. That means Lumineers are more affordable than the alternative, especially if the patient is having multiple teeth done. The savings can add up.

#2 Length of Preparation

One major advantage of Lumineers is that they don’t take anywhere near as long to apply. Veneers, for example, require a grinding down of the teeth, the preparation of a mold for the prepared teeth, dental lab fabrication of custom veneers, and then the application process itself. The whole thing can take 2 to 4 weeks.

Lumineers, meanwhile, don’t require the lengthy preparation aspect, which can shave weeks off the application process.

#3 Durability

Veneers are built to last eight to 10 years, while Lumineers can last as long as 20 years. Plus, Lumineers are semi-permanent, and veneers are permanent, making eventual replacements easier to apply.

#4 Dealing with Broken Teeth

Because Lumineers are semi-transparent, they aren’t always the best option for severely broken teeth. In getting veneers, a dentist will shape the old tooth in a way that allows for the permanent application of the veneer. That may not work for Lumineers because of their design.

#5 Considering the Intensity of the Stains

The same idea applies to severely stained teeth. While Lumineers are great for most patients who want to cover their stains, if a tooth is severely stained, veneers may be required to properly cover them up.

How to Get in Touch with a Bingham Farms Dentist Near You

If you are interested in discovering whether veneers or Lumineers are the better option for you, set up a consultation with Jamestowne South Dental and he can walk you through what it would take to get veneers or Lumineers for your teeth. Your smile can look brand new again with the right cosmetic dentistry. Let the professionals at Perfecting Your Smile get your teeth looking like new!