You may have heard about veneers and how they can repair your teeth and improve your smile. But, with the advancement of dental technology, we now have Lumineers. These are similar to the veneers, but they differ in appearance, the application process, and effectiveness.
It is important to consult a Lumineers dentist before you choose to get either of them.
1.Appearance
Veneers are thin shells that cover the front part of the enamel to change the size, color, shape and improve the appearance of the teeth. They are mostly made of porcelain, but you can get them in composite material too. The difference between the two is that porcelain is made in the lab, while the composite veneers are applied on the same day as your appointment.
Lumineers are ultra-thin (thinner than veneers) and are more translucent. They are also referred to as ‘no prep’ veneers, but they follow the same application procedure as the veneer.
2.Purpose of Application
Both veneers and Lumineers in Shavertown, PA, are used to correct the same dental problems, which include:
- Teeth discoloration
- Worn-down teeth
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Misaligned, irregular, and unevenly shaped teeth
However, the severity of the problem will determine which one you should choose. Since they are translucent, the Lumineers are more suitable for people with mild to moderate teeth discoloration. They are not effective in covering severe tooth stains, and therefore the dentist will choose the veneers instead.
3.How Are They Applied
Veneers and Lumineers follow the same application process and you will need two dental visits.
- The first dental visit
The dentist will begin the process with an examination to assess the extent of the damage. For the veneers, the dentist will remove a thin layer of your enamel (based on the thickness of the veneers) to make room. This process can cause tooth sensitivity, but local anesthesia is used to numb the gums.
The dentist will take a cast of your teeth to make both the Lumineers and veneers in a dental lab. Your teeth are covered with temporary veneers and you wait for the permanent ones to be made.
The Lumineers are very thin and do not need enamel preparation and therefore you do not need the temporary ones.
- Second dental visit
The second consultation is scheduled two to four weeks after the first procedure. The dentist will remove the temporary veneers and replace them with permanent ones. Before cementing the restorations in place, the dentist will clean your teeth to remove any buildup.
The teeth are etched to make the application process easy. A special block of cement is used to hold the veneers in place.
4.Reversible or Not?
Veneers are cemented in place and are permanent. Also, they require trimming of your enamel, which is an irreversible process.
Lumineers need no preparation and are therefore reversible. This means the dentist can remove them with minimal damage to your teeth.
5.Eligibility; Who Can Use the Veneers and Lumineers?
Veneers and Lumineers are ideal for most people. However, there are times when the dentist may opt for other forms of treatment.
- If you have severe teeth discoloration, the Lumineers may not be a suitable option
- Gum disease or decay
- People with very thin enamel may not be good candidates for veneers and the application process needs teeth reshaping.
6.Durability; How Long Do They Last?
It is said that veneers and Lumineers can last between 8 and 15 years. However, veneers can last for longer with proper care. Remember, it is important to maintain proper dental care because these dental restorations can trap bacteria along the gum line and increase the risk of decay.
Getting a regular assessment is vital as the dentist can check the veneers and Lumineers for signs of wearing down or damage. If they are damaged, the dentist may have to replace them.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Back Mountain Dental for more information about veneers and Lumineers and an assessment on which one is suitable for you.
