Veneers vs Lumineers, Which One Is Better?

Author: Dr. Nabil Mockbil from Swedish Dental Clinic in Dubai Marina

Veneers and lumineers are two popular cosmetic procedures that improve or even change your teeth shape, color, aesthetic alignment of teeth, and any other tooth imperfections related to the tooth surface like cracked, crooked, and chipped teeth, resulting in a flawless, healthy, white, and beautiful smile!

So before we start uncovering the differences between veneers and lumineers, let’s be clear about this terminology: Lumineers are a specific type of veneer that is made only from porcelain.

Although both of them are used to cure the same issues like stains, discoloration, and others, there are significant distinctions that we’re going to reveal today, so let’s get started!

Veneers

Preparations

Veneer needs extra preparation work compared to lumineer.

At your first visit to the dental clinic, the doctor will grind down about 0.5 – 0.7mm of your existing enamel in order to replace it with a new laminate.

Material

Veneers are shells of porcelain or composite resin that are designed especially to coat the surface of your tooth.

Color

Of course, each veneer coat is made to fit the tooth color and shape, however, veneers may stain after 5 years.

Cost

Your budget for veneer procedure should be something between $950 – $2,500 per tooth.

Lasting

Some people say that there’s no turning back when getting veneer! Veneers typically last for 10 – 15 years thanks to the high-quality porcelain which is resistant to stain, cracks, and chips, and if you take good care of them, they’ll last up to 20 years!

Benefits and Drawbacks

So porcelain veneers last long and they are really good in hiding discoloration, misshapen, wear, and imperfections. On the other hand, they are permanent and expensive.

Lumineers

Preparations

No grinding is needed!

So, basically, lumineers are extremely thin, about only 0.2mm, and bond easily onto the tooth which means they need only little to no preparation. So this is a huge plus for lumineers especially for those who cringe so badly when it comes to any kind of tooth procedure.

Material

Lumineers are thin dental porcelain laminates and patented by the Den-Mat Corporation, a manufacturer of dental products.

Although lumineers are as thin as contact lenses, they are really strong.

Color

So basically, lumineers are a good option for teeth whitening, but due to their thinness, lumineers aren’t as effective when you want to cover deep discolorations. On the other hand, they give a natural color ending for those who don’t prefer overly white teeth.

Cost

If you’re on a budget, lumineer is your go-to. They cost around $800 – $2,000 per tooth.

Lasting

Unlike veneers, lumineers can be taken off your teeth with only minimal damage. However, some say that lumineers last up to 20 years when they are properly cared for, but this is not accurate.

Lumineers usually last about 10 – 15 years, and if you want them to last longer you should be very diligent in taking care of them.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Lumineers don’t require trimming your natural teeth so you can remove them easily when you want to, and they’re cheaper. On the other hand, they aren’t as good as veneers when it comes to hiding some damages, as well as, they last shorter.

What To Choose

After knowing the difference between these two dentistry procedures, their benefits, and drawbacks, it’s still preferable to visit a dental clinic to take the consultation of your doctor.

Keep in mind when meeting your doctor that you need to elaborate why you want to get this procedure and what are the expected results so he/she can choose just the right one for you.

How To Take Care of Them

Taking care of your teeth after getting veneer or lumineer doesn’t differ much from regular oral hygiene.

I know this may sound a little obvious, but some people think that after they get veneers or lumineers, they don’t have to invest their time, effort, and money in caring for their teeth anymore because they saved their teeth once and for all! But this is not actually true, it is recommended to do the following:

1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day;
2. Floss your teeth once a day;
3. Visit the dental clinic every four to six months;
4. Quit smoking and chewing tobacco;
5. Limit your intake of staining foods and drinks like high sugar and carbohydrates meals.

So whether you chose to get a veneer or lumineer procedure, you’re still going to have that white glowing smile. But keep in mind all the benefits and drawbacks, calculate your budget, and don’t forget to take the consultation of your doctor!

Author: Dr. Nabil Mockbil from Swedish Dental Clinic in Dubai Marina