Lumineers versus Veneers
Lumineers® and porcelain veneers as a cosmetic dentistry procedure are popular but often confused. Both products are made of thin, porous porcelain which is shaped to cover only the visible portions of teeth. They can repair minor tooth imperfections, straighten and lengthen teeth, conceal stained or discolored teeth and are themselves stain proof, natural in appearance and highly resilient.
Though Lumineers are a type of veneer, the similarities end there. Significant differences lie in the procedure for preparation with Lumineers requiring less preparation and little or no removal of tooth structure as compared to traditional veneers.
LUMINEERS APPLICATION TECHNIQUE
- An impression is made and the mold is sent to Cerinate Smile Design Studios where the Lumineers are crafted.
- At the next dental visit, Lumineers are fitted to the teeth. The dentist moderately etches the teeth to prepare for placement, but no sensitive tooth structure is removed. Lumineers are bonded and set in place with a curing light. The bonding treatment is reversible if the Lumineer should require removal.
- You leave the dentist office with a beautiful smile without shots, drilling or pain.
TRADITIONAL VENEERS TECHNIQUE
- An impression is made and the mold is sent to a lab.
- Anesthetic shots are given to numb the area and the teeth are shaved with a drill to prepare them for the veneers.
- The veneers are bonded to the teeth, but the procedure is not reversible since the original teeth have been shaved. As a patient, there will be some pain and discomfort following the procedure due to tooth preparation.
Traditional veneers, though thicker than Lumineers, have an advantage where patients have a wide gap between teeth. They allow greater flexibility in molding the veneer to create the best aesthetic look.
Dr. Stacy Johnson Family Dentistry in Greenwood, Indiana can help you make the right choice for you! Call us today at 317- 535-7141.
