VENEERS VS LUMINEERS: WHAT'S BEST FOR ME?

GiTae Kwon • Dec 23, 2022

If you want to upgrade your smile, veneers are a popular solution for many people. However, if you’ve been researching veneers, then you’ve most likely come across another similar solution: Lumineers. But what is the difference between these two? And, most importantly, which ones are right for you? Find out these answers in this blog post from Clear Smile Dental Studio.


WHAT ARE VENEERS?

Veneers are a type of protective coating placed on the front of your natural teeth to restore and upgrade their look. This porcelain covering gives off the picture-perfect smile many patients desire: white, shiny, and bright.

To place veneers, your Stamford dentist will have to shave off the top layer of the natural tooth enamel. This is necessary so that the veneers can properly fit on your teeth. Because of this procedure, veneers are considered an irreversible treatment, as enamel does not grow back. 

As a result, once you get veneers you cannot go back to your natural teeth and will either have to get new veneers down the line if they break, or opt for a different cosmetic procedure.


WHAT ARE LUMINEERS?

Lumineers are actually a brand name for a type of veneer. The difference between them and most standard veneers is the Lumineers are a bit thinner, which means they require less or even no shaving of the tooth’s enamel. 

Lumineers are around 0.2 mm and made from laminate, as opposed to traditional veneers which are made from porcelain and are around 0.5mm in thickness.

Because of this difference, Lumineers are often called "no-prep" veneers, as they can be added to the natural tooth without trimming. Unlike veneers, Lumineers are semi-permanent, and can be removed with little to no damage to your natural tooth.


WHICH COSMETIC OPTION IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Broadly speaking, veneers and Lumineers from our Stamford dental office share many of the same qualities:

  • Durable, and both can last as long as 20 years
  • Long-term cosmetic solution
  • Perfect for addressing tooth discoloration, staining, certain tooth shape issues, etc.

Deciding between veneers and Lumineers often comes down to the long-term dental goals you have. Specifically, if you want a ‘no turning back’ kind of solution, then veneers are the right choice. If you’re not sure if you want to commit to this type of procedure and would prefer something reversible, the Lumineers are a good fit.

However, your dental health may also factor into the decision making process. Your cosmetic dentist will help you make the right choice during your consultation.



BOOK AN APPOINTMENT AT CLEAR SMILE DENTAL STUDIO IN STAMFORD

If you’re wondering whether veneers or Lumineers are right for you, we at Clear Smile Dental Studio are happy to help. Our cosmetic dentistry services in Stamford can give you that picture-perfect smile you deserve!

Book your first consultation online with Dr. Park or Dr. Gita today to get started.

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