We’ve put together this handy post to help explain the differences between lumineers, veneers, and crowns so that you can understand which one might be the best option for you.
What is the Difference Between Lumineers, Veneers, and Crowns?
The biggest difference is how much of your tooth they cover. Your dentist uses crowns to cover your entire tooth, while lumineers and veneers are affixed just to the front of your tooth. Lumineers are a type of veneer, but they are less costly and thinner than traditional veneers.
With that brief introduction, let’s look at some more information about each type of tooth covering and what they are typically used for.
Veneers
Veneers are a cosmetic coating that cover the front side of your natural teeth. Their color is natural in appearance, but your dentist designs them as the perfect version of your teeth. They will be white, bright, and glossy.
They are not porous like your natural teeth are, and so, they are resistant to stains. Your dentist may use them to cover discolored teeth, broken or chipped teeth, small gaps in your teeth, or areas of decay. There’s a lengthy process involved in their application, but the result is permanent.
Veneers compromise your natural tooth enamel, so your dentist will need to replace them over time. They typically last from 8 to 10 years, and if you take good care of them, they can last up to 20 years.
Lumineers
Lumineers are a type of veneer, but your dentist needs less prep time to get them ready. They are thinner and are made of laminate instead of porcelain, the typical material of veneers.
Because lumineers are thinner, they are more translucent than veneers. Most dentists use them to treat teeth that are discolored or misshapen, but because lumineers are more translucent, your dentist won’t use them if your teeth are severely discolored.
Your dentist won’t have to grind your teeth before affixing the lumineers which means less prep time. They will only need to make a mold of your teeth to make the lumineers. These are also semipermanent and your dentist can remove them without damaging your teeth.
They typically last between 10 and 20 years before your dentist will need to replace them. They are also a less costly option than veneers.
Crowns
Crowns are another type of tooth covering, but your dentist uses them to cover your entire tooth as opposed to just the front of your tooth. Typically, your dentist will use crowns for teeth that are severely damaged by decay or breakage.
Additionally, your dentist may opt for a crown if a veneer won’t cover the entire area of decay, if your tooth is extremely discolored, or if it is in a bad position. Usually, your dentist isn’t going to use a crown just for aesthetic reasons.
If you take good care of a crown, it can last for many years. Moreover, many insurance plans cover the cost of a crown which makes this option a more affordable choice.
Final Thoughts
If you have discolored, damaged, or decaying teeth, you may want to talk to your dentist about lumineers, veneers, and crowns. At Aesthetic Dental Partners, we’re happy to answer all your questions about what’s best for your smile!
Image: Freepik
