Do you have a few teeth that desperately need some kind of touch-up? Is your smile afflicted by stubborn stains, chipped or cracked teeth, or annoying gaps between your teeth? If so, then you might benefit from a cosmetic treatment called veneers. These super-thin porcelain shells are placed over your problem teeth and act as “masks” to correct aesthetic imperfection. Alternatively, your dentist also offers a thinner version, known as Lumineers. How can you determine which one is right for you? Read this guide on veneers vs. Lumineers in Rolling Meadows.
All About Veneers
Traditional veneers are an excellent way of fixing all kinds of smile flaws. Here are some of the qualities that veneers offer:
- Stain-resistant. Because dental porcelain is not porous like tooth enamel, staining particles don’t get absorbed into the material.
- Ideal for broken or severely stained teeth. Teeth that are seriously discolored, chipped, cracked, or misshapen are perfectly hidden behind veneers.
- Lengthy application process. Before placing veneers, your dentist must shave down a layer of enamel from your affected teeth to make sure the restorations don’t bulge out in your smile. Impressions are then taken and send to a lab, and you’ll wear temporaries for a few weeks before your permanent veneers are ready.
- Permanence. Since tooth enamel does not grow back, your teeth will always need some kind of covering, whether that be crowns or more veneers.
- Last around 10 years. If you take proper care of your veneered teeth with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, they can last a decade or even longer.
All About Lumineers
Lumineers, also known as “no-prep” veneers, are a specific brand of veneer that has the following qualities:
- More translucent than veneers. Lumineers are thinner, thus they don’t offer as much coverage for severely stained teeth.
- No enamel removal required. Because they are thinner, your dentist doesn’t need to shave down part of your teeth.
- Shorter application process. With Lumineers, you’ll still have to wear temporaries and get impressions taken, but the first appointment will be shorter since no prep is required.
- Semipermanence. Unlike conventional veneers, Lumineers can be removed with minimal damage to your teeth and you can choose whether or not you want to replace them.
- Last 10 to 20 years. While fewer studies have been conducted on the lifespan of Lumineers, they last about as long as traditional veneers in Rolling Meadows.
So, Which Is Better?
Ultimately, this decision is between you and your dentist. The two of you can work together to determine which one would best benefit your smile. If you’re interested in improving your smile by leaps and bounds, give your dentist a call and ask whether veneers or Lumineers would be right for you.
About the Author
Dr. Ye Wang studied dentistry in Beijing before moving to the United States and earning her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 2001. She enjoys forming long-lasting relationships with every patient who steps through the doors of her office. To learn more about whether traditional veneers or Lumineers would be the better choice for you, give her office a call at (847) 221-5860.