Confused about the difference between LUMINEER and porcelain veneers? LUMINEERS are a brand of veneers, and just like with all cosmetic dental options, different factors make you a better candidate for one or the other.

Lumineers vs. Porcelain Veneers

Here, The Houston Dentists break down the differences between these two options to help you make a decision.

Porcelain Veneers: Pros

  • Veneers can be used to rebuild broken or worn down teeth. Thus, they can give you a natural-looking, beautiful smile.
  • In addition to rebuilding worn-down teeth, veneers can also be used to fill in the gaps between your teeth, or change the color of yellow or brown teeth.
  • Traditional veneers involve creating several layers of porcelain to cover imperfections in the teeth.
  • In the hands of a master ceramist, traditional porcelain veneers can beautifully transform your stained, broken, or misaligned teeth into a natural-looking, radiant smile.
  • We take bumps off of your teeth when placing veneers so the veneers will not appear big or bulky.

Porcelain Veneers: Cons

  • As with crowns, traditional porcelain veneers typically require the surface of the natural teeth to be contoured, or “roughed,” to improve the adhesion of the veneers to the teeth.
  • Because of this tooth reduction, traditional veneers are not reversible.
  • Many patients are hesitant to alter a healthy tooth, which is why some prefer “prepless veneers.”

LUMINEERS: Pros

  • LUMINEERS are a brand of veneers that require little to no tooth preparation – in other words, no alteration to your natural teeth is required!
  • They are extremely thin shells made from Cerinate porcelain.
  • If no tooth reduction was necessary, and you subsequently decide that you no longer want your LUMINEERS, they can be removed. However, keep in mind that removing your LUMINEERS can be an expensive process.

LUMINEERS: Cons

  • Because they are extremely thin, LUMINEERS may not be the right option if you have severe discoloration, or if you grind your teeth.
  • Also, in the wrong hands, LUMINEERS can cause ledges at the gumline that can cause inflammation.

Creating your dream smile requires many important decisions. Our cosmetic dentists are here to help you evaluate the benefits of LUMINEERS, porcelain veneers, and all your other cosmetic dentistry options.