Porcelain Veneers vs Lumineers
Drawbacks of Traditional Porcelain Veneers
Traditional porcelain veneers are used to cover the surfaces of teeth. This type of veneer is thin at .5 mm but requires removing some natural tooth enamel, so the porcelain veneer’s surface-level matches the surrounding teeth. After the enamel is removed, molds of the teeth are made and temporary acrylic veneers are applied. The molds are sent to a dental laboratory to fabricate a permanent set of porcelain veneers. This takes 2–4 weeks. The final custom veneers are cemented to the teeth.
Following are some of the features of porcelain veneers and the application process for comparison to Lumineers.
- Usually requires anesthesia during the enamel removal process
- Temporary pain is experienced after the tooth structure is modified
- Enamel permanently compromised and irreplaceable
- Requires wearing temporary veneers until customized veneers are available
- Requires at least three dental visits with a lengthy first visit for tooth structure modification
- Porcelain veneers are not reversible because they are permanently bonded to teeth
- Lasts an average of 8–10 years
Advantages of Lumineers
Lumineers are also teeth veneers but have significant differences compared to traditional porcelain veneers. A dentist recommending Lumineers veneers in San Antonio does so for good reasons. Each veneer is approximately .3 mm thick and made of patented, extremely durable Cerinate material. Lumineers do not require as much preparation time since there is no need to grind down tooth enamel. The molds are sent to the dental laboratory, and in approximately 10 days the customized Lumineers are ready for placement on the teeth.
Following are the features of Lumineers veneers compared to traditional porcelain veneers.
- No injections of anesthetic needed
- No pain is experienced
- No healthy tooth enamel is ground down
- Does not require wearing temporary veneers between visits
- Only two dental visits required
- Semi-permanent and can be removed
- The manufacturer says Lumineers may last for up to 20 years
The Future of Veneers in San Antonio Is Here in Lumineers
Lumineers can correct the same common dental defects as porcelain veneers, including teeth with tetracycline staining, discoloration, wear, breaks or chips, poor shape, and misalignment. They can even be placed on crowns and porcelain bridgework. Durable Lumineers veneers in San Antonio are the preferred choice of many dental patients. Speak with a dentistry expert at Aesthetic Dental Partners to learn how Lumineers veneers in San Antonio can restore a beautiful smile.
Content found on this blog is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional judgement, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak with a professional if you have concerns about your oral health.