Deciding Between Porcelain Veneers and LUMINEERS
Veneers are widely considered the quickest, most lifelike option for transforming the look of your smile from top to bottom. However, in order to place veneers, Drs. Clifford Degel and Carmen Every-Degel must first remove a conservative amount of enamel to make room for the thin porcelain shells. This is a drawback for many patients who want to preserve as much of their natural tooth structure as possible. For this reason, we offer LUMINEERS® as a minimal-prep alternative at our Queens, NY, practice. During your consultation at Astoria Dental Group, we can help you decide whether veneers or Lumineers is the right choice for you.
Jonathan - Veneers
Jonathan talks about his experience with the Astoria Dental Group and how Dr. Degel’s experience and chairside manner keep him coming back.
Similarities Between Veneers and LUMINEERS
One of the greatest similarities between both options is how they can be used. Both veneers and Lumineers can effectively conceal:
- Minor tooth gaps
- Minor misalignment
- Small chips or cracks
- Jagged or worn teeth
- Misshaped or disproportionate teeth
- Discolored or yellow teeth
Both options are custom-made to match your facial features and desired results. They are made up of thin, hand-layered porcelain that has a lifelike shine and shade. Porcelain is stain-resistant and simple to maintain, which means you can care for your veneers and Lumineers in the same way as natural teeth.
Porcelain Veneers
One of the cosmetic dentistry procedures available at our New York City office is porcelain veneers. In this clip, Dr. Degel talks about porcelain veneers, the procedure that can dramatically improve your smile in just two visits.
Major Differences Between Treatments
When deciding between the two treatments, however, there are some important differences to consider.
Candidacy
Because Lumineers require less removal of enamel, they are a good choice for patients who have dental anxiety. However, for patients with extensive cosmetic concerns, they may not be the best choice. Lumineers are appropriate for patients who only need minor cosmetic modifications, but they are so thin that they might not provide the most effective coverage of severe discoloration or yellowed teeth. Consequently, traditional veneers are a better choice for patients who need more comprehensive coverage.
Size
Both veneers and Lumineers are ultra-thin, wafer-like porcelain shells. Porcelain veneers typically measure about 0.5mm in thickness, while Lumineers can be as thin as 0.2mm or about the same thickness as a contact lens. Because Lumineers are so thin, however, they may not be the best choice for severe discoloration, which may still be visible through the thin porcelain.
Preparation
The most notable difference between these restorations is the preparation that the teeth must undergo prior to placement. Prior to placing traditional veneers, one of our dentists will remove a conservative amount of enamel from the selected tooth. Enamel is an important part of your tooth structure and protects the dentin from bacteria that causes cavities. While veneers will protect your teeth once they are in place, they will need to be replaced for the rest of your life to prevent oral health issues.
Alternatively, Lumineers are minimal-prep veneers. They are thin enough that they can be bonded to your tooth without enamel removal.
Final Results
One of the temporary side effects of porcelain veneers is tooth sensitivity after enamel removal. This is less common with Lumineers. However, regardless of which option you choose, you can enjoy a brilliantly enhanced smile for many years to come.
Not Sure Which One is Right For You?
The only way to determine whether veneers of Lumineers are right for you is to schedule a consultation at Astoria Dental Group. Our doctors will examine the extent of your cosmetic issues and recommend which treatment option will best help you achieve your desired results. To ensure that cost does not make your decision for you, we offer several financing options.
Schedule a consultation with one of our doctors today. Call us at (718) 278-1123 or contact us online for more information.
