It’s natural to feel self-conscious about chipped, cracked, stained, or overcrowded teeth. Fortunately, your dentist has cosmetic solutions to address these problems, such as porcelain veneers or Lumineers. Both are attached to your teeth to mask imperfections, but how do you know which is best for you? Only your dentist can recommend one over the other based on your current dental condition, but it helps to be well-informed about the options. Keep reading to learn more so that you can make an educated decision when the time comes!
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin, ceramic shells that are bonded to the front surface of your tooth. They’re a popular solution to perfect minor aesthetic flaws in your smile. This versatile solution can be customized to match the shade of your natural teeth and is coated with a glaze durable enough to resist any additional staining and chipping.
Veneers are about 0.5 mm thick, so for them to line up against your gumline properly, your dentist will need to remove some of your enamel. Although only a small amount is removed, it doesn’t regenerate so veneers are essentially irreversible.
What Are Lumineers?
Lumineers are very similar to veneers in that they’re also made of a durable ceramic material used to cover the front of your tooth. Because they’re thinner than veneers at about 0.2 mm thick, your dentist won’t have to remove any enamel to place them. That means that this treatment can be used to address many of the same issues as porcelain veneers, but without permanently altering any tooth structure. They’re considered a reversible treatment as a result.
When Are Porcelain Veneers Best?
Porcelain veneers are an incredibly popular way to hide many types of issues in your grin, including gapped or crooked teeth. They can be placed in such a way that they hide these problems to give your smile a perfectly even appearance. Plus, they’re thick enough to protect the underlying tooth from sustaining further injury. That makes them both a functional and beautiful solution.
When Are Lumineers Best?
If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of having some of your protective enamel removed, then you may want to ask your dentist about Lumineers. They can mask many of the same issues as veneers, though they are somewhat less effective at hiding crooked or gapped teeth because they’re so thin. You might anticipate that they will last longer than traditional veneers because they often don’t need to be replaced for two decades.
If you’re still not certain which option would work best for you, schedule a consultation with your dentist. They’ll perform an oral exam and make a recommendation based on their findings. Either way, you’ll end up with a beautifully enhanced smile!
About the Practice
At Summerlin Center for Aesthetic Dentistry, patients of all ages benefit from two experts who provide a full range of services under one roof, including cosmetic dentistry. They and their caring staff take pride in providing high-quality care in a cozy, comfortable atmosphere. Using state-of-the-art technology allows them to provide accurate, long-lasting treatments. They offer both porcelain veneers and Lumineers to enhance your appearance. If you’d like a consultation, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (702) 844-6224.