Hollywood Smile

Have you ever noticed that every actor and actress in Hollywood seems to have straight, white, flawless teeth? Luckily, these days, just about anyone can achieve a “Hollywood smile” using veneers or Lumineers. Made of a thin and natural-looking material, these tiny, porcelain shells are bonded to the top of the teeth to provide a more attractive appearance. They can help makeover a variety of dental problems, including stains, discoloration, gaps, cracked teeth, chipped teeth, or misshapen teeth. The question is: which option should you choose? Today we’re discussing Lumineers vs. veneers, so that you can make an informed decision.

LUMINEERS VS. VENEERS
 

Although Lumineers and veneers can both improve your smile by hiding dental flaws, they differ in procedure and how they affect the state of the original tooth. Before you sign up for either procedure, you should review your options. We’ve provided some basic similarities and differences below, but if you’re interested in veneers or Lumineers, be sure to consult with a dental professional before you decide which option is right for you. Every person’s teeth are different, and you need to have a personalized consultation before you undergo a drastic procedure.

SIMILARITIES

Both options can improve the appearance of crooked, misaligned teeth.
Both options can give you a whiter, brighter smile.
Both options can hide a cracked or chipped tooth.
Both options can cover gaps between teeth.
Both options are comfortable and have a natural appearance.
Both options are formed from a thin layer of porcelain.
Both options are strong, durable, and easy to maintain.
Both options will not stain or change color with time.
Both options are custom-made to create a seamless smile.
Both options come with a similar price tag.

DIFFERENCES

Veneers require some removal and reshaping of the original tooth (or teeth). To create a natural appearance that isn’t bulky or overly large, the dentist will remove about 5mm from the tooth’s surface. Enamel is removed, leaving the tooth unprotected until the veneer is applied. So if the veneer needs to be removed in the future, the tooth will be unprotected once more. As a long-term solution, this permanent removal of enamel may be concerning to some patients. Veneers can be placed in about two visits.
Lumineers provide the same function as porcelain veneers, but they are not as invasive. The original tooth is left unchanged and the enamel is not damaged, which some patients prefer as a long-term solution. To achieve this, Lumineers are much thinner than veneers (they’re about as thick as a contact lens), but they’re still strong and durable. However, they may look and feel slightly bulkier when compared to veneers. Because of this, it is important that you choose an experienced dentist if you want a flawless, natural smile with Lumineers. Finally, Lumineers are quicker to apply than veneers because the teeth are not shaved down beforehand.