Veneers vs. Lumineers: What’s Right for Me?

Veneers and Lumineers are quite similar. They’re both designed to cover up imperfections in your teeth and correct cosmetic problems with your smile. However, there are a few major differences between these treatments. 

The team at Pinnacle Family Dental is always happy to go over your options with you. We can help you understand the pros and cons of both traditional veneers and Lumineers, so you can make an informed decision when it comes to your desired cosmetic treatments. 

The Pros and Cons of Traditional Veneers

Veneers are one of the most versatile methods of smile restoration and consist of multiple, thin, tooth-shaped prostheses that cover up your front teeth.

Pros

• Versatile – Veneers can be used to treat almost any cosmetic dental issue, from gaps in your smile to stained teeth, chipped teeth, and uneven and misshapen teeth.
  
• Durable – Veneers are very durable and can actually strengthen your teeth. They can easily last 10-15 years with proper care.
  
• Requires little special care – Just brush and floss your teeth normally, and see Pinnacle Family Dental for a cleaning every six months. 
  

Cons

• Requires removal of enamel – You must have your teeth trimmed to get traditional veneers.
  
• Not reversible – Because your enamel must be trimmed, there is no way to reverse the veneer procedure. If you get traditional veneers, you will need to keep them for the rest of your life.
  
• Higher upfront cost – Compared to Lumineers, traditional veneers can be more expensive, so they may not be a good choice if you’re on a budget.
  

The Pros and Cons of Lumineers

Lumineers are nearly the same as veneers, except in one way. Lumineers are made out of a special ceramic material that is very thin. They have a thickness of only about 0.2mm, compared to 0.5mm in traditional veneers.

Pros

• No teeth trimming required – Because they’re so thin, Lumineers can often be placed onto your teeth without removing any natural enamel.
  
• Reversible treatment – Since no enamel must be removed, Lumineers can be removed and the procedure can be reversed, unlike traditional veneers.
  
• No need for temporary veneers – There is no need to wear bulky, uncomfortable temporaries until your permanent veneers arrive at our office. 
  

Cons

• Not suitable for all situations – The thin design of Lumineers means they’re not good for covering up severely stained teeth. In addition, large chips to the teeth may not be treatable with Lumineers.
  

• Not quite as durable as veneers – Because they are thinner, Lumineers are not as strong as traditional veneers. They are slightly more prone to breaking or becoming dislodged, so more care will be needed to care for your new smile. 
  

• Minor adjustments to enamel may be necessary – Lumineers are usually called “no-prep” veneers, but the term “minimal prep” is more accurate. In some circumstances, it may be necessary to trim your teeth slightly, even for Lumineers.
  

Find Out What Treatment Is Right for You at Pinnacle Family Dental 

Dr. Hyun Dong Kim has experience with the placement of both traditional veneers and “no-prep” Lumineers. If you’re interested in restoring your smile and are located in Ellicott City, Dunloggin, Font Hill or Normandy, we’re here to help. Contact us now at (410) 461-3747 or stop by our office at 9275 Baltimore National Pike, Suite 103, Ellicott City, MD 21042. After your cosmetic consultation, Dr. Kim will help you choose the treatment that’s right for you.