Lumineers versus Veneers: The Similarities & Differences
Dental Articles, Dental Health, Dental Services, Health & Beauty February 27th. 2007, 4:20pmDo you remember a time when politicians and movie stars had less than perfect teeth? Nowadays it’s jarring to see slightly crooked or yellow teeth on your television or movie screen.
If you’ve ever envied those perfect smiles, you may have done your own research and found the myriad of cosmetic dentistry options a bit bewildering. No doubt you’ve heard many mentions of porcelain veneers and Lumineers®.
“Ever since ABC-TV’s Extreme Makeover, we have noticed a marked increase in patients asking about veneers, and more recently, Lumineers,” said Smile South Florida cosmetic dentist, Dr. Charles Nottingham. “Many people have some confusion about the differences and similarities between the two. Basically, a Lumineer is a type of veneer that requires less preparation and little or no removal of the tooth structure.”
In addition to being made of thin, porous porcelain, both products:
- cover only the visible portions of teeth;
- repair minor tooth imperfections;
- straighten and lengthen teeth;
- conceal stained or discolored fillings; and
- are stain proof, natural in appearance and highly resilient.
Of course, as Dr. Nottingham noted, there are distinct differences between these two popular, cosmetic-dentistry procedures. Veneers, also known as “dental porcelain laminates,” are wafer-thin shells that bond to teeth. They are permanent, custom-shaped and require the removal of roughly .5 mm of the original tooth to allow space for the new veneer. Lumineers are thinner; roughly the thickness of a contact-lens.
“Lumineers are ideal for minor cosmetic adjustments, but I would not recommend them for major extreme-makeover and instant-orthodontic work, “said Dr. Nottingham. “For example, I would suggest a patient add a couple Lumineers to extend small teeth, fix a minor chip, or change color. For patients who want to close a diasema (wide gap between teeth) without using metal braces, I would suggest traditional veneers because it allows me more flexibility in molding the veneer to create the best aesthetic look. One size does not fit all.”
ABOUT DR. NOTTINGHAM
Dr. Charles Nottingham was featured by ABC’s Extreme Makeover Dental Lab (da Vinci Studios) in Dentistry Today Magazine as the pinnacle of dental quality. Besides his commitment to the very best in dentistry, he also strive to provide his patients with the highest level of service for a lasting dental experience.
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May 22nd, 2008 at 12:08 am
I read similar article also named Differences | Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry, and it was completely different. Personally, I agree with you more, because this article makes a little bit more sense for me
June 6th, 2008 at 11:01 am
[...] a visitor is looking find the similarities and differences between Lumineers and veneers or is interested in practice news, such as a staff member having a baby boy, the Smile South [...]
August 8th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
I have short teeth and they barely show when i smile ..any info helpful…danny
August 11th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Hi Danny! We have many cosmetic treatment options that would successfully alter and lengthen your smile. With choices ranging from Lumineers, to porcelain veneers or crowns, our cosmetic dentists can do a complimentary consultation to evaluate you. I will be in contact with you shortly. Have a great day!