Difference between Lumineers and Dental Veneers
If you have been hiding your smile due to imperfections such as staining, chips, gaps and minor misalignments, our Los Angeles cosmetic dentist can help. Porcelain veneers are just one option that can help provide you with the movie-star gorgeous smile you crave.
Traditional dental veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain, often no thicker than a contact lens. They require extensive preparation of the natural tooth and may also require multiple dental visits in order to prepare the teeth through the removal of a portion of the enamel. Once the teeth are prepared, temporary veneers will be placed to protect them, and the veneers will be custom made in a lab. When they are completed, they will be placed. Because veneers require extensive preparation of the natural teeth and removal of tooth structure, they are considered permanent.
Lumineers are different. Considered no-prep veneers, they require little or no removal of natural tooth structure. Extremely thin, they can be placed directly over your natural teeth, which makes them entirely reversible. They can last from 15 to 20 years or longer if properly maintained and can correct a range of dental problems, including staining and discolorations, chips, cracks, gaps, and more.
Both types of veneers have benefits and drawbacks that may make one or the other more suitable for different patients. Our Los Angeles cosmetic dentist can help you learn more about your options for improving your oral health and perfecting your smile. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.