Differences between Veneers and Lumineers

While Lumineers is actually just a type of porcelain dental veneer, there are important distinctions between the two that often leads patients toward getting Lumineers. Here is a look at the primary differences between standard porcelain veneers and the Lumineers brand.

Removal of Enamel

With standard veneers, the teeth receiving them must be prepared by removing a thin layer of enamel on the front of the teeth. While this is not a lot, it is nevertheless permanent and speeds up a process that is happening naturally already. Without doing it, standard veneers would be more noticeable because they would make the teeth appear thicker. Veneers of this variety are therefore required for the rest of patient’s life, because sensitivity would be a serious problem. Lumineers are significantly thinner, thereby eliminating the need for such invasive action.

Ease of Application

Because of the above, normal porcelain veneers require anesthesia to dull the pain while the enamel is shaved off. Because Lumineers does not require this, no anesthesia is needed.

Temporary Placements

Because of the irreversible damage done to enamel during the placement of traditional veneers, the teeth are sensitive and need to be protected. As a result, the dentist will place a clumsy temporary cover on the tooth until the permanent restoration is returned from the manufacturer, which can be two weeks or more. Lumineers, on the other hand, do not require that same level of preparation, meaning that you will continue on with life as normal until you receive them. No need for temporary restorations, no unnecessary pain.

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