There is a grey area in cosmetic dentistry, where many procedures seem like other procedures and it’s hard to understand the difference between the two or which is most beneficial for your oral health needs. A qualified cosmetic dentist is able to provide the recommendations that will work best for your teeth and mouth, and in some cases patients will be faced with deciding between two equally effective procedures: namely, porcelain veneers and Lumineers.
The Similarities Between Veneers and Lumineers
Porcelain veneers are what Hollywood smiles are made of. They’re stunning, white, straight, and flawless without being too perfect. After all, everyone wants a natural-looking smile, and celebs are no different in their quest for excellence. But wait… maybe that Tinsel Town grin is made of Lumineers, not veneers. Only their cosmetic dentist knows for sure. And that’s because veneers and Lumineers have so many things in common.
Veneers and Lumineers both:

  • Repair misaligned teeth.
  • Cover gaps.
  • Create a white, bright smile.
  • Hide chipped or cracked teeth.
  • Lengthen teeth.
  • Widen teeth.
  • Created a gum-tooth balance.
  • Are strong and durable.
  • Are easy to maintain.
  • Are custom-made from very thin porcelain.
  • Are resistant to stains and discoloration.
  • Feel comfortable.
  • Look natural.
  • Cost about the same.

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The Differences Between Veneers and Lumineers
While veneers and Lumineers clearly offer the same benefits and function, the main area where the two procedures differ is in how they are applied to your teeth.
Lumineers are a minimally invasive procedure. There is no part of the original tooth structure that is altered, and no enamel is damaged during the application of the Lumineers. This edited application process means Lumineers can typically be applied to your teeth much more quickly than veneers but, because of this, it’s critical that you visit a cosmetic dentist who is experienced in applying these pieces of porcelain. Even though Lumineers are incredibly thin (like a contact lens), it takes a talented artist to successfully bond Lumineers to your teeth so they look natural and are not bulky.
A special kind of veneer, however, eliminates all the worries that someone might have about veneers and the veneer process. The prepless veneer is changing the worry about losing natural tooth structure and acting very much like the Lumineers experience – and perhaps even better. Prepless veneers are made in-house, which already shortens the time it takes to wait for this procedure to be completed. The veneers are shaped and sized and colored to suit each patient’s mouth and existing teeth, and they are carefully applied so that the smile is flawless and sound.
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Make the Right Cosmetic Dentistry Choice
Some dentists may recommend Lumineers as the right choice for minor cosmetic adjustments, like a few chipped teeth, extending small teeth, or altering the shade of your teeth. Other professionals may recommend porcelain veneers for full-blown smile makeovers or problems like very wide gaps between teeth. Each patient has a different mouth, a different situation, and different needs. Visit Dr. John Moore for personal recommendations for your smile.