Two of the most popular options in restorative cosmetic dentistry today are veneers and Lumineers. Both are made of thin, durable porcelain material and both can provide natural-looking, long-lasting results when prepared by an experienced, competent dentist. In order to determine which option is best for you, a cosmetic dentist is the best, your dentist will consider a variety of circumstances which include your unique dental history, overall health, personal desires, expectations, and his/her professional understanding of your particular situation to create a beautiful final result.
Advantages of Dental Veneers & Dental Lumineers
Resistance to staining. A significant advantage is in the nature of their material. Since porcelain is ceramic and therefore glass-like, the porcelain surface will be extremely stain resistant.
It can be used to repair minor tooth imperfections and defects. Teeth that have small chips or whose surface is worn or misshapen can be repaired too.
It can also be used to cover over and conceal fillings that have become stained or discolored. Furthermore, Old dental fillings and previous attempts at cosmetic bonding that have become discolored can be easily corrected.
It is used to make color changes for teeth that have permanent stains. Some teeth are naturally discolored. This includes teeth that have tetracycline, fluorosis staining, and those that have darkened as a result of physical traumatic dental injuries or root canal treatment.
In some cases, they can be used as alternatives to orthodontic treatment. They can be used to close the space (called a “diastema”) between a person’s teeth. In cases where teeth are slightly crooked to extremely crooked, they can be used to create an instant orthodontics effect.
Porcelain Veneers
Traditional porcelain veneers, alternatively termed “dental veneers” or “dental porcelain laminates,” are wafer-thin shells of porcelain permanently bonded to teeth that are discolored, worn, chipped, or misaligned. Porcelain veneers are non-porous (they will not stain), incredibly resilient, and “kind” (non-abrasive) to opposing teeth. When it is firmly bonded to a sturdy substructure (like a tooth) it becomes very strong and durable.
A traditional veneer is essentially a conservative crown. Rather than encompassing the entire tooth a cosmetic veneer covers the visible part of a tooth, preserving a large amount of the natural tooth structure. They can straighten, lengthen, and whiten teeth to provide a beautiful smile and even create a more comfortable bite position. For optimal results, each veneered tooth must be shaped. This means that a thin layer (approximately .5 mm) of the natural tooth structure is removed to allow space for placement.
Dental Lumineers
Dental Lumineers are different than a traditional veneer in the way they are manufactured and placed. Lumineers is a brand of porcelain veneers. (DuraThins is another brand with similar properties and application). A Lumineers restoration is as thin as a contact lens and placed over existing teeth without having to remove tooth structure. Like traditional porcelain veneers, Lumineers restorations are an excellent cosmetic solution for stained, chipped, discolored, or misaligned teeth.
An ideal candidate for Lumineers must have enough remaining tooth surface on which to bond the Lumineers to ensure long-term results. Since Lumineers do not require the removal of tooth structure, they can be removed if circumstances require it.
Visit a cosmetic dentist to provide you with visual consultations if you are considering dental veneers, porcelain laminates, and Lumineers. Some dentist offers free consultations at no charge.