If you’re exploring your options for cosmetic dentistry in Leander, you’ve probably considered veneers. But not all veneer treatments are the same. At #TheSmileDoc, we offer both traditional porcelain veneers and Lumineers.
What’s the difference between these treatments? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know, and to understand whether veneers or Lumineers may be a better choice for your situation.
Traditional porcelain veneers are made of a durable ceramic material, which covers up the front surfaces of your teeth and treats cosmetic dental issues like gaps in the teeth, uneven teeth, misshapen teeth, minor chips, and severe teeth staining.
It usually takes two appointments to get traditional veneers. At your first appointment, your teeth will be trimmed to prepare them for veneers. Then, molds of your teeth will be taken and sent to a dental lab, where your veneers will be built. You’ll go home with a set of temporary veneers, and you’ll come back to #TheSmileDoc in a few weeks once your final set of porcelain veneers arrives at our office.
Then, your temporaries will be removed and your veneers will be attached to your teeth permanently. This completes the procedure, restoring your smile and your self-confidence.
In every way except one, Lumineers are the same as veneers. Just like traditional veneers, they are shells of porcelain meant to cover up imperfections in your smile. The placement process is very similar, too, taking at least two appointments at #TheSmileDoc.
The difference is that Lumineers are much thinner than traditional veneers. Due to the advanced ceramic material used to build them, they are about the same thickness as a contact lens, while still being extremely durable. Lumineers are about 0.2mm thick, while traditional veneers are typically about 0.5mm thick.
What this means is that, in most cases, Lumineers do not require you to have any of your natural enamel removed during treatment. Not only does this mean the placement procedure is less invasive, since no drilling is required, but it also means that Lumineers can be reversed in the future, if desired.
They can be removed if you ever change your mind without affecting your oral health. This is not true of traditional veneers. A lot of enamel must be removed from your teeth, so if your veneers were to be removed, the teeth would be very weak. For this reason, traditional veneers are considered to be an irreversible, permanent procedure, unlike Lumineers.
Both treatments are usually similar in price, so the answer to this question usually comes down to your personal preferences. If you do not want to have any enamel removed and like the idea of reversible treatment, Lumineers are a good choice.
On the other hand, veneers may be a superior option in some situations, particularly when treating severely stained teeth. Lumineers are very thin, so they may not be able to completely cover up and treat stained teeth.
The best way to find out what’s best for you is to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation in Leander with Dr. Armando Reid. He can discuss the pros and cons of both treatments, discuss your preferences, and examine your mouth to determine which treatment may be right for you. So don’t wait. Contact us online or give us a call at (512) 240-7200 to schedule your cosmetic consultation at #TheSmileDoc today.
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