Lumineers vs Veneers. What's Better?
Lumineers and veneers are a modern and technological solution in aesthetic dentistry for the correction of different defects.
Having a Hollywood smile is the dream of almost every person. However, in most people, the color and condition of the enamel leave much to be desired. In addition, very often the teeth are uneven and have different heights, shape defects, and other imperfections. You can't easily fix them. However, thanks to aesthetic dentistry, they can be hidden. The solution to the problem can be dental veneers or their more subtle variation – dental lumineers. Their main advantage is that the smile looks natural and there is no effect of porcelain teeth. The doctor pre-selects the color of the overlays to match the healthy enamel of the patient; after manufacturing, the prostheses cannot be distinguished from native teeth.
When should you think about installing veneers or lumineers? If there is a need to solve aesthetic and functional problems. Despite the safety of the procedure, there are a few contraindications. First of all, this is strong damage and mobility of the teeth associated with periodontitis and other diseases of the oral cavity. In addition, people who suffer from bruxism also cannot perform such a procedure. So what are lumineers and veneers, and how to choose the most suitable option?
Difference between Lumineers and Veneers
Technically, these are micro-prostheses of the same type. These are thin plates of durable material that are fixed on the teeth. It’s worth noting that these dental overlays have the same purpose – the elimination of aesthetic defects, such as chips, cracks, and darkening of the enamel. At the same time, there is a difference between lumineers and veneers in their characteristics.
Veneers are the thinnest linings on the teeth, made of special materials such as ceramics, porcelain, and composite materials. Thickness from 0.5 to 0.8 mm. These are indispensable assistants to a dentist that allow making a perfect smile, using a minimum of interventions. Veneers form a dentition that is outwardly indistinguishable from natural. Before installation, the top layer of enamel is ground off. Then an individual impression of the teeth is made. Veneers cover not only the front surface of the tooth but also the chewing edge. Their approximate lifespan with proper dental care is about 10 years. They protect teeth from external mechanical, chemical and thermal damage.
Indications for installing veneers:
• fluorosis • congenital anomalies and underdeveloped teeth • dark tooth enamel • irregularities and chips in the teeth • age-related changes • displacement of teeth and the appearance of gaps between them
Lumineers are similar to veneers, but they are made only of ceramics and have a thickness several times thinner – about 0.2 mm. Due to this thickness, the overlay is installed without grinding the enamel. Unlike veneers, these thin plates cover only the front of the tooth. Porcelain lumineers are made of higher quality material, which allows you to extend the life of a beautiful smile up to 20 years. There are no scratches or chips on their surface. Installation of lumineers is safe for health and painless. They protect teeth from the action of organic acids and temperature changes.
Indications for the installation of lumineers for teeth:
• darkened enamel • there are inclinations and reversals of teeth • unaesthetic tooth shape • chipped and cracked enamel.
Both lumineers and veneers have pros and cons, as well as general contraindications: age up to 16 years, when the dentition is still being formed; significant damage to the teeth; the presence of caries and periodontitis; allergy to the material of the prostheses.
What's Better Lumineers or Veneers
Everyone wants to have a beautiful smile that will give confidence in communication. And to achieve such a result, it’s important to choose the type of prosthetics that suits a particular patient. Therefore, before choosing what's better lumineers or veneers, it’s necessary to consult a dentist. The specialist will offer the best choice, based on the condition of the teeth, age, and wishes of the patient. Here is a small comparison of the differences between these two types of plates.
In the question of veneers vs lumineers, it’s important to remember that this is just a good way to enjoy a beautiful smile every day.
Once the plates are installed, there are no product restrictions. Ready-made microprostheses are not inferior to natural enamel in terms of structural strength. Therefore, you should not change your gastronomic habits: veneers and lumineers withstand the standard chewing load that falls on the front teeth. Special care is not required: regular oral hygiene, daily brushing, and toothpaste, as well as timely visits to the dentist.
