Explanation of the two techniques
Veneers are thin ceramic shells that are attached to the teeth. Dentists stick them on the front surfaces of crooked teeth or stained teeth. With ceramic veneers it is possible to correct the color, shape and position of the teeth. This makes them a great solution for discoloration, cracks, or crooked teeth.
One of the types of veneers is Lumineers veneers. They are called “non prep veneers” and are extremely thin. In most cases they are 0.3 mm thick. This eliminates the need to remove tooth enamel, making this method less invasive.
The Process of Dental Veneers
The process of getting traditional porcelain veneers typically involves several steps:
- Initial Consultation: During your first visit, you’ll discuss your goals with your cosmetic dentist and they will assess your oral health to determine if veneers are a suitable option for you.
- Preparation: To prepare your teeth for veneers, a small amount of enamel (about half a millimeter) may be removed from the surface of the teeth receiving the veneers.
- Impressions: After your teeth are prepared, your dentist will take impressions or digital scans of your teeth.
- Temporary Veneers (optional): In some cases, temporary veneers may be placed on your teeth while your permanent veneers are being fabricated in a dental laboratory.
- Bonding: Once your permanent veneers are ready, your dentist will check their fit and color before permanently bonding them to your teeth using a special dental adhesive.
- Final Touches: After the veneers are bonded in place, any excess material will be removed, and your dentist will make final adjustments as needed to ensure your bite is comfortable and your smile looks natural.
With proper care and maintenance, dental veneers can last for about 20 years, providing you with a long-lasting solution for achieving a beautiful, radiant smile.
The Process of Lumineers
The process of getting lumineers differs from traditional veneers in several keyways:
- Minimal Tooth Preparation: One of the distinguishing features of Lumineers is that they require minimal to no tooth preparation. Unlike traditional veneers, which often necessitate the removal of a small amount of enamel from the tooth’s surface, Lumineers are ultra-thin and can be bonded directly onto the tooth without extensive preparation.
- Thickness and Material: Lumineers are thinner than traditional veneers, typically about as thick as a contact lens. This ultra-thin design allows them to be placed directly over the tooth’s surface without the need for significant enamel removal.
- Reversibility: Because Lumineers require minimal to no tooth preparation, the process is often reversible. If desired, Lumineers can be removed, and the underlying natural teeth remain intact. This provides a level of flexibility and reversibility that may not be possible with traditional veneers, which typically involve some degree of enamel removal.
Comparison: Dental veneers and Lumineers
Characteristics | Veneers | Lumineers |
|---|---|---|
Material | Porcelain or composite resin | Special, ultra-thin porcelain |
Thickness | Thin (about 0.5 mm) | Extremely thin (about 0.3 mm) |
Preparation | Upper layer of teeth is removed | No or minimal sanding necessary |
Adjustment | Individually adapted to each tooth | Mostly standardized sizes, minor customization possible |
Durability | Long lasting but requires regular care | Durable but may be less durable than veneers |
Price | Typically more expensive than Lumineers (about 800 to 2,000 per tooth) | Lumineers cost less than veneers |
Treatment time | Requires more time for customization and installation | Faster because less preparation is required |
Aesthetics | Natural appearance, good adaptation to natural teeth | Very aesthetically pleasing, offering a transparent aesthetic |
Advantages and disadvantages of these aesthetic methods
Veneers offer high adaptability and can be used for a variety of dental aesthetic problems. The biggest disadvantage of veneers is the irreversible process of tooth enamel removal, which can lead to increased sensitivity in some patients.
Lumineers represent a more reversible alternative to conventional veneers. These non-prep veneers are made from much thinner shells and are ideal for anyone looking for an improvement without permanent change to their teeth. One disadvantage of Lumineers veneers is that they may be less effective at concealing severe discoloration or major tooth damage due to their thinner thickness.
Pros and Cons of Veneers
Advantages:
- Veneers can be customized to fit each tooth, resulting in a natural look.
- They are typically durable and will last a long time if cared for properly. Some materials even have a resistance to stain.
- Veneers can be used to correct various aesthetic problems such as discoloration, chipped corners, or imbalances.
- The technique of veneer placement is well established and provides predictable results.
Disadvantages:
- Often requires light grinding of the tooth to make room for the veneer, which causes irreversible changes to the tooth.
- Veneers can be expensive, especially if multiple teeth need to be treated.
- Requires regular care, including special flossing and regular dental visits.
Pros and Cons of Lumineers
Advantages:
- Often requires no or minimal grinding of the tooth, making the process less invasive.
- Lumineers offer a transparent aesthetic and can create a very natural look.
- Because less preparation is required, treatment can be quicker than traditional veneers.
- Lumineers can be removed without damaging tooth enamel, providing a reversible option.
Disadvantages:
- The extremely thin layer of Lumineers may be less durable than traditional veneers and may be more susceptible to damage.
- Standardized sizes are usually used, which can limit individual adjustment.
- Although they may be slightly cheaper than veneers, Lumineers can still be expensive, especially if multiple teeth need to be treated.
Veneers vs Lumineers: Which is right for me?
1) Condition of Your Teeth
- Do the teeth and gum line have major cosmetic defects such as severe discoloration, chipped edges or uneven shapes? Then veneers are more suitable.
- Are the teeth generally in good condition but need a slight aesthetic improvement? Lumineers veneers may be sufficient.
2) Invasiveness of treatment
- Is the patient ready for an irreversible change by grinding down tooth enamel?
- Or is the preference for a non-invasive method that is reversible? Lumineers veneers are often applied without grinding the enamel and are therefore less invasive.
3) Long term commitment
- Is the patient ready for a permanent solution that the doctor cannot reverse? Veneers are a long-term commitment.
- Or does the patient want the option to reverse the decision without long-term effects on the natural teeth? Lumineers veneers offer this flexibility.
4) Aesthetic preferences
- Does the patient want a significant change in their smile? Veneers offer extensive customization options and can fundamentally change the appearance of the teeth.
- Lumineers veneers are thinner and less noticeable.
5) Budget
- How much budget is available for the cosmetic treatment? Lumineers veneers are usually more expensive than traditional veneers due to the materials used and the less invasive application technique.
6) Sensitivity and comfort
- Does the patient have sensitive teeth? Removing tooth enamel can increase tooth sensitivity.
- Lumineers veneers do not require removal of tooth enamel, which typically results in less sensitivity.
Veneers vs. Lumineers: Individual decision
The decision between veneers in Turkey vs. Lumineers should be based on individual needs. While veneers veneers offer a solution to extensive aesthetic concerns, Lumineers veneers are an excellent choice for those who prefer a less invasive option.
Get free advice on both methods at Cosmedica Dental!