Cosmetic Dentistry Directory Blog
Cosmetic Dentistry Directory
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Porcelain Veneers vs. Lumineers
Porcelain
veneers and Lumineers are both used to correct cosmetic imperfections with
your smile and improve its appearance. But which option is right for you? It is
best to understand the differences between the two in order to make a fully
informed decision.
Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain which
are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They can address a wide range of
aesthetic issues with your smile, including:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Asymmetrical teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Irregularly shaped teeth
Lumineers function similarly to porcelain veneers and can
address the same issues. The main difference between the two is their
thickness. Lumineers have the thickness of a contact lens and are much thinner
than porcelain veneers.
This difference in thickness will impact your results in
several ways:
- Unlike porcelain veneers, Lumineers do not require preparation of your tooth (and the removal of tooth structure associated with this preparation)
- No temporary veneers are needed with Lumineers, whereas porcelain veneers will require temporaries while your permanent veneers are being constructed at the lab
- Since no tooth structure is removed with Lumineers, the procedure can be reversed in most cases
However, the thinner material used in Lumineers also tends
to produce a less natural looking result. This is particularly true when you
are trying to brighten severely discolored teeth. In these cases, it is common
for the darker shade of your natural teeth to show through the Lumineers.
Most cosmetic dentists typically prefer porcelain veneers due
to their aesthetic advantages and their ability to provide a more natural
looking result. However, the best way to determine which option is best for you
is to speak with an experienced cosmetic dentist.
Please contact us
today to find a qualified cosmetic dentist in your area.
posted by Andrew at 12:37 PM
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