Cosmetic Dentistry Directory Blog
Cosmetic Dentistry Directory
Monday, April 23, 2012
Porcelain Veneers vs. Lumineers
If you are considering porcelain veneers as part of your smile makeover, you may have read about Lumineers while researching the procedure. Lumineers are a common alternative to porcelain veneers. Both restorations utilize a thin porcelain shell that gets bonded to the front surface of your tooth to mask a variety of aesthetic flaws with your smile. But which one will deliver the results you desire?
The main difference between porcelain veneers and Lumineers involves the amount of tooth structure which must be removed as part of the procedure. Porcelain veneers are thicker than Lumineers and as a result, require a small amount of natural tooth structure to be removed in order for your tooth to accommodate the veneer. This ultra-thin material used with Lumineers eliminates the need to remove this small amount of tooth structure, preserving more of your natural tooth.
While there are clear benefits of retaining more of your natural tooth structure, you also sacrifice a great deal in terms of the aesthetic result achieved by your procedure. If your teeth are severely discolored, Lumineers will not be thick enough to mask this discoloration. As a result, you will not be able to achieve the bright smile you desire. Lumineers are also considerably less durable than porcelain veneers, making them a poor solution for patients who grind their teeth.
For these and other reasons, many cosmetic dentists prefer to work exclusively with porcelain veneers. At your initial consultation, ask your cosmetic dentist which option will work best for your smile makeover.
Please contact us today to find an experienced cosmetic dentist in your area.
posted by Andrew at 11:07 AM
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