Lumineers® and Porcelain Veneers

A healthy, attractive smile speaks volumes. In fact, our smiles have a huge impact on our self-confidence, our social interactions, and even affect how others see us! In the search for a beautiful smile, some solutions may seem to offer the same outcome, but actually differ in specific areas.

Both porcelain veneers and Lumineers® are used to cosmetically alter the appearance of teeth – they are effective treatments for correcting gaps between teeth, changing their length, and covering stains. 

Cosmetic Improvements

Lumineers® and porcelain veneers help create a more symmetrical and aesthetically appealing smile by making minor changes to the natural tooth. They are often used in cosmetic dentistry to address imperfections, such as:

• Damaged/chipped teeth
• Crooked or misshapen teeth
• Short teeth.

Lumineers®

Lumineers® are extremely thin and are placed directly onto the tooth. The cosmetic treatment doesn’t change the structure of the tooth and the original enamel remains intact, also referred to as no-prep veneers. Lumineers® offer a more uniform, straighter smile but because they are wafer thin they are not ideal for teeth with dark stains.

The treatment usually involves two appointments. During the first appointment, impressions are taken from which a mold is developed. It is then used to customize and shape the Lumineers® in a lab before they are bonded to the surface of the tooth. The bonding and placement process usually takes less than an hour during the second visit. 

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are likewise very thin shells of porcelain that don’t add any bulk to the teeth. Used to fill small gaps, veneers offer a uniform and beautiful white smile. Porcelain is stain resistant and its strength and durability make it the perfect material for cosmetic dentistry. Veneers can also be color matched to neighboring teeth.

Placing veneers is a minimally-invasive procedure and patients’ teeth are prepped during the first of two visits. A small portion of the top layer – the enamel – is removed, so that the veneer lays flat against the surface when placed. Veneers are created in a lab and bonded into place at the second visit.

Both Lumineers® and porcelain veneers are long-lasting options for people who want to improve the appearance of their smile. Before making a choice of one over the other, it’s best to talk to Dr. Heinrich-Null about the pros and cons of each and come to an informed decision with the help of a professional.

Contact our Victoria dental office for more information or to schedule an appointment.