Veneers vs Lumineers | Which One is Better?

Veneers enhance your appearance and add to your aesthetics. People get veneers to improve their smiles. Veneers are of different types, including porcelain veneers and composite veneers. Then what are lumineers? Lumineers are a specific type of porcelain veneers manufactured exclusively by the DenMat Lab in Lompoc, California, USA. Go through the following comparison to know which is better for you between veneers vs lumineers.

What are Veneers?

Veneers are a thin covering of a material (e.g., porcelain, composite, resin, etc.) placed permanently on the surface of the teeth. Patients can opt for the best option depending on their affordability and requirements. Veneers mask:

Chipped teeth
Crooked teeth
Tilted teeth
Discolored teeth
Tooth gaps such as diastema (a gap present between the front two teeth)

And boost facial aesthetics.

What are Lumineers?

Lumineers are a minimally invasive type of porcelain veneers. These veneers are also known as no-prep veneers. They are digitally designed to be ultra-thin (about as thin as a contact lens) and crafted to mimic the translucent anatomy of natural teeth.

Lumineers vs Veneers

Let’s make a head-to-head comparison of veneers vs lumineers:

Invasiveness

In lumineers vs veneers, veneers are comparatively invasive. A layer of tooth enamel has to be shaved off to create sufficient space for the porcelain veneers. About 0.5mm of tooth enamel is removed. This is required for a smooth finish. The veneers then bond permanently to the tooth surface.

Fortunately, in the case of lumineers, no tooth enamel is removed. They are created to follow the teeth’ natural structure and cover all imperfections and defects without removing tooth enamel.

Thickness

Porcelain veneers are thicker. They are usually about 0.5mm thick. It depends upon the size of the tooth and the type of defect they have to conceal. Lumineers thickness is similar to that of a contact lens.

Longevity

Porcelain veneers can last for more than 10 years. If maintained properly, they can last for more than 20 years. To ensure the durability of your veneers, avoid chewing on harsh items like nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds, etc.), ice, and fingernails.

Lumineers may last up to 20 years. They are as long-lasting as regular veneers, as per the manufacturer. Lumineers’ longevity is determined by your eating and chewing habits and regular dental health care.

Cost

The cost of lumineers and porcelain veneers in NJ can be a key deciding factor for many patients.

How much do lumineers cost?

Lumineers cost about $750 to $1200 in New Jersey. They are generally not covered by insurance, but they are relatively cheaper than general porcelain veneers.

Lumineers are cheaper because they do not require any prep before their placement. In other porcelain veneers, a cosmetic dentist has to ensure that the veneers are completely flushed and merge with the tooth structure.

How much do porcelain veneers cost?

The cost of a single porcelain veneer ranges between $900-$2500+. While full-mouth veneers usually range between $7000 and $20,000+. Porcelain veneers are the right choice for teeth that are misaligned, cracked, and chipped because they resemble natural teeth in texture and appearance. Due to their natural appearance, it becomes challenging to distinguish between natural teeth and porcelain veneers.

Ideal Candidate

Let’s discuss which one among veneers vs lumineers is a better fit for you:

Who is the ideal candidate for porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers can be used for a variety of corrections. They can be used to treat patients with the following:

Misshapen or misaligned teeth
The large gap between teeth and the extension of small teeth
Discoloration
Correction of previous faulty dental treatment
Porcelain veneers are durable, stain-resistant and crack-repellant

Who is the ideal candidate for lumineers?

Lumineers can also be used to correct your smile’s aesthetic. They can be used to treat the following:

Gap correction
Enhance symmetry and cover up teeth discoloration
Adjust misaligned teeth
crooked and chipped teeth

Benefits

Porcelain veneers are known for their longer lifespan, about 20 years on average. Patients can choose from a wide range of shades of teeth. This allows the teeth to be brightened for a more realistic appearance. Furthermore, they are particularly resistant to persistent stains, retaining their visual appeal over time.

Lumineers require little preparation work, minimizing the time and invasiveness of their procedure. Unlike veneers, lumineers are removable. In addition, they are often less expensive than ceramic veneers, making them a more affordable option.

Furthermore, lumineers protect the natural structure of teeth after the process, keeping them in their original shape. They provide a painless treatment option than other types of veneers.

Drawbacks

Lumineers might not have the same natural appearance as porcelain veneers. Compared to porcelain veneers, they are less durable. Furthermore, Lumineers may not wholly mask flaws such as broken teeth. In some cases, they may dislodge from the tooth.

Porcelain veneers require significant and invasive preparation. They cannot be removed and replaced with your natural teeth. Furthermore, traditional veneers tend to be more expensive than lumineers.

The Role of Oral Hygiene - Veneers vs Lumineers

Oral hygiene plays a significant role in both. Maintenance of veneers adds to their life and aesthetics. You can maintain your veneers by:

Brushing twice daily for two minutes and flossing after meals prevents the collection of food particles.
Rinse the mouth with lukewarm water and a bit of salt.
Avoid acidic and sugary foods.
Getting scaling done every 6 months prevents the formation of plaque and calculus deposits. As a result, the lifespan of veneers increases further.

Conclusion

This article comprehensively highlights the key differences between veneers vs lumineers. Each has its benefits, drawbacks, and features. Veneers would be ideal for some patients, while lumineers would suit others. A cosmetic dentist can help you choose the appropriate type of veneer for yourself.

At Hesed Dental, the veneer experts in NJ will transform your smile. Book your appointment today to boost your aesthetics and mask your flaws. We don’t just place the veneers in your mouth; they are designed and fabricated in our in-house lab according to your preferences.