Porcelain Veneers vs. Lumineers®
As an alternative to traditional braces, veneers and Lumineers are an instant way to upgrade your pearly whites. However, they are not the same treatment. When it comes to porcelain veneers vs. Lumineers, the most significant differences are customization, cost, and time.
Since 1986, Dr. Wilderman has practiced a broad range of state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry procedures to keep our community’s smiles healthy and dazzling. At Artistic Expressions, Dentistry in Doylestown, PA, Dr. Bruce Wilderman creates tailored treatment plans to design smiles that our patients can’t wait to show off.
Customization
Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin caps designed to conceal imperfections. Veneers can alter existing teeth by transforming their shape, size, length, and color when bonded over a tooth.
Veneers cover teeth with a permanent, uniform layer of enamel-colored porcelain with customizable widths to meet your dental needs. They can conceal chipped, gapped, and crooked smiles.
In contrast, Lumineers can be placed quickly because they do not require customization. As a result, they are a less versatile option than veneers for camouflaging surface-level flaws. They can also appear bulkier when added to the front of the teeth. In most cases, Lumineers are only one color, so they may not match your natural teeth.
Cost
Veneers are slightly more expensive than Lumineers. Veneers may cost between $950 and $2,500 per tooth. Lumineers may cost between $800 to $2,000 per tooth.
Veneers and Lumineers are considered elective cosmetic treatments. Most insurances do not cover these treatments, but Dr. Wilderman offers financing options for veneers.
Preparation Time
Veneers are permanently bonded to the teeth through a multi-step process:
- Consultation: The dentist will check to see if teeth are healthy and create a customized treatment plan.
- Preparation: The dentist grinds down the enamel so that veneers will fit in the mouth. The dentist will take a mold of the prepared teeth and apply temporary acrylic veneers.
- Lab Time: The mold of the teeth is sent to a lab to create customized porcelain veneers. This process takes about two to four weeks to be fabricated and sent back to the dentist.
- Application: Once veneers are back from the lab, the dentist permanently cements veneers with a bonding solution to prepared teeth.
Lumineers are often called “no-prep veneers” because they do not require intensive preparation or temporary veneers. They still require at least two visits: (1) consultation and (2) application. Lumineers also need time between visits to process in the dental lab.
Lifespan
If applied and treated correctly, porcelain veneers can last 10 years or longer. Many people enjoy veneers for the rest of their lives.
While Lumineers can last for some time, they are not intended for long-term use. In fact, because they do not require alteration of the existing teeth, they are usually recommended to patients who are interested in veneers but aren’t ready to commit to a permanent change.
Choose Quality at Our Doylestown, PA, Location
Lumineers tend to cost less than porcelain veneers. Unfortunately, cheaper materials and procedures tend to compromise, which leads to more out-of-pocket costs over time. Find out if premium porcelain veneers are suitable for your individual aesthetic goals. Call (215) 712-8345 or message Artistic Expressions Dentistry to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wilderman.
