Veneers are custom-made shells placed on the front of teeth as a way to improve dental imperfections such as stained, chipped, decayed or crooked teeth.
“Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are permanently attached to the front surface of your tooth,” explains Michael Kosdon, DDS, a cosmetic dentist at Smiles of NYC, based in New York City.
“Veneers are the perfect collusion to naturally enhance and correct one’s smile,” she adds. “In addition to whitening, veneers are used to correct teeth that are broken, cracked, discolored and misaligned.”
Meanwhile, “Lumineers are a branded veneer that is manufactured by a specific company/laboratory and are used in the same way as porcelain veneers,” says Dani Benyaminy, DDS, a Los Angeles-based cosmetic dentist.
Both traditional veneers and Lumineers have the same end goal—to improve the appearance of your smile. However, they have some essential differences.
Preparation Process
One difference is the preparation process. Those getting traditional veneers may need to have some of their enamel removed if necessary, which leaves room for the veneers to fit in the mouth. This can be a long process. After the teeth get thinner, the veneers are custom-made, requiring the person to wear a temporary acrylic set for about one to four weeks in between, notes Tyler Hales, DDS, a celebrity cosmetic dentist at Hales Aesthetic in Beverly. Hills, California. “The temporary set can be used as a ‘trial smile’ so you can see what the final veneers will look like before they are finished,” explains Dr. Kosdon.
Meanwhile, Lumineers are a type of porcelain veneer that is sometimes referred to as a “no-prep” process. While porcelain veneers may require the use of anesthetic plungers to limit pain or sensitivity, Lumineers use a minimally invasive technique that requires no temporary set or injections. “For anyone who is afraid of numbing, drilling, or removing any enamel, Lumineers may be your best option,” says Dr. Kosdon.
Otherwise, the process of bonding Lumineers to teeth is the same as traditional porcelain veneers, explains Dr. Hales.
However, it is also important to note that the preparation process for both traditional veneers and Lumineers really depends on the desired result and the condition of the teeth you are starting with.
Appearance
Aesthetics is another difference between the two. Porcelain veneers are usually thicker, so they are better at hiding heavily stained teeth.
Luminaires are not as thick as traditional porcelain veneers and are described as “as thin as a contact lens”, which allows them to be more easily applied over the teeth. “Lighters are extremely thin compared to traditional porcelain veneers,” says Dr. Benjamin. “Given their thin nature, they are not as effective at covering dark/discolored teeth.” Luminaires usually don’t look as natural as porcelain veneers, notes Dr. Kosdon.
Because Lumineers are so thin, they also don’t last as long as traditional veneers, adds Dr. Benjamin. They are also more fragile than traditional veneers.
