When it comes to creating a more dazzling grin, Cosmetic Dentistry in Orlando has plenty of options you can choose from. Porcelain veneers are usually recommended for patients who want to make many changes at once, but what if Lumineers – a similar yet distinct treatment – are available? How will you know which is the best solution for your smile?
HOW ARE PORCELAIN VENEERS AND LUMINEERS SIMILAR?
Both veneers and Lumineers are thin shells that are bonded to the front of the teeth. They can be used in a wide variety of situations; for example, they can correct the appearance of crooked or misaligned teeth, or they can cover up cracks, chips, and discoloration. They’re also good for hiding small gaps.
Because veneers and Lumineers are made of porcelain, they’re comfortable in the mouth (meaning they won’t irritate the gum tissues) and have a natural appearance. They’re also very durable and are easy to maintain with good oral hygiene. Also, porcelain is highly stain-resistant and won’t become discolored as easily as natural teeth sometimes do. Finally, it should be noted that veneers and Lumineers often have similar prices.
HOW ARE PORCELAIN VENEERS AND LUMINEERS DIFFERENT?
The most notable difference between veneers and Lumineers is that Lumineers tend to be a lot thinner – usually, they’re about as thick as contact lenses. With traditional porcelain veneers, the dentist in Orlando usually needs to remove a small amount of enamel to create a natural-looking result. This can leave the tooth more vulnerable to decay. In comparison, Lumineers are thin enough to be placed without making any changes to your teeth; not only can this be healthier for your smile in the long term, but the process is faster since you skip the step of removing enamel.
Because Lumineers are a more conservative treatment, the procedure is a lot more comfortable; there’s often no need for anesthesia or shots to reduce pain or sensitivity, which is usually necessary when wearing porcelain veneers.
However, there are some slight risks to using Lumineers over veneers. Because the teeth remain the same size, adding Lumineers can leave them feeling bulky. It can also make them harder to brush and floss effectively. Also, Lumineers tend to be opaquer than more translucent veneers; that means that between the two, veneers can sometimes be the more natural-looking option. Finally, Lumineers usually need to be placed and repaired by a specially trained dentist; it’s easier to find a practice that works with veneers.
SO WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Talk with your cosmetic dentist about your smile goals; they’ll go over the pros and cons of the various treatments available and help you pick the one that’s best for your situation. Whether you get veneers or Lumineers, the result will be a set of pearly whites you can be proud of!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. May Chen has been practicing dentistry in Central Florida for almost two decades now. She has plenty of experience with cosmetic treatments such as porcelain veneers and Lumineers. She enjoys using dentistry as a way to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. To schedule an appointment at her practice in Orlando, Sand Lake Dental, visit her Website or call (407) 255-2391.
