To help your smile look better, you might think of getting porcelain veneers. They’d certainly be a good choice, as they’re one of cosmetic dentistry’s best treatments. However, did you know there’s more than one kind of veneer? Indeed, some dentists offer a different brand called Lumineers that addresses similar issues. That said, you may not know which of the two to choose. If so, your Toronto dentist can help you settle the matter. Read on to learn the strengths and weaknesses of porcelain veneers and Lumineers.
Porcelain Veneers
As you might know, porcelain veneers are thin, ceramic layers that dentists put on the surface of teeth. They improve your smile by hiding tooth flaws beneath their shiny material.
Strengths
The porcelain used in these standard veneers is durable, stain-resistant, and customized to match the color of your enamel. As a result, they mask tooth stains, cracks, fractures, and more for 20 years with proper care.
Weaknesses
Though effective, porcelain veneers have an involved preparation. Treatment takes two appointments and requires your dentist to remove some of your enamel.
The bonding is also permanent, so you shouldn’t remove the veneers later. If you did, your tooth would be unprotected.
Veneers’ porcelain makes them more expensive than alternatives too.
Lumineers
Unlike their porcelain cousins, Lumineers are essentially veneers made of ‘ultra-thin’ laminate. They still hide smile flaws but rely on a cheaper material to do so.
Strengths
One advantage to Lumineers is they need less preparation. Unlike other veneers, your dentist doesn’t need to remove enamel to place them. They only need to take an impression or mold of the treated teeth.
Lumineers are also reversible, meaning you can have them removed if needed. They cost less than porcelain veneers as well.
Weaknesses
Lumineers aren’t great at hiding stained or damaged surfaces. In fact, their transparency means people might see the yellow coloring beneath them. Even worse, they may look and feel slightly bulkier when compared to veneers.
They don’t have the longevity of porcelain either. Many say the layers only work for ten years, even with maintenance.
When choosing between veneers and Lumineers, take the factors above seriously. Still, talk to your local dentist before making a final decision.
About the Practice
Bal Dental Centre is based in Toronto, Canada. As led by the titular Dr. Gus Bal, the practice has given patients quality care for over twenty years. That experience has led their team to offer high-quality preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, including emergency procedures. The staff is also a qualified provider of Invisalign clear aligners. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach them on their website or by phone at (416)-613-8390.
