Have you noticed many Miamians have straight, white, flawless teeth and amazing smiles? Do you wish you could, too? But you have stains, discoloration, gaps, cracked or chipped teeth, or misshapen teeth. Fortunately, you can have a beautiful smile using veneers or Lumineers. Both are porcelain shells made of a thin, natural-looking material that bonds to the top of the teeth. The result: a more attractive appearance and a radiant smile.
Lumineers vs Veneers
I use Lumineers and veneers to improve patients’ smiles by hiding dental flaws. Their main difference lies in the procedure and how they affect the state of the original tooth. Let’s look at their similarities and differences.
Similarities
Both Lumineers and veneers are formed from a thin layer of porcelain that I customize to create a seamless smile. Both procedures have the ability to:
- improve the appearance of crooked, misaligned teeth.
- give you a whiter, brighter smile.
- hide a cracked or chipped tooth.cover gaps between teeth.
- provide a comfortable and natural appearance.
- provide strong, durable, and easy to maintain teeth.
- resist stains or color change over time.
- cost about the same.
Differences
Where there are quite a few similarities between Lumineers and veneers, there are also key differences.
- Veneers require some removal and reshaping of the original tooth or teeth. To create a natural appearance that isn’t bulky or overly large, I remove about .5mm from the tooth’s surface. Once the enamel is removed, it leaves the tooth unprotected until I apply the veneer. The whole process takes about two visits. As a long-term solution, permanent removal of enamel may concern some patients.
- Lumineers provide the same function as porcelain veneers, but they are not as invasive. I leave the original tooth unchanged, making Lumineers quicker to apply because the teeth are not shaved down beforehand, leaving the enamel undamaged. Some patients prefer this for their long-term solution. Lumineers are thinner so they’re more fragile compared to conventional veneers. In addition, they may look and feel slightly bulkier when compared to veneers.
Learn more about getting a beautiful smile
Which is right for you? I encourage patients to call my office at 786-542-1071, or visit our website, BarskyDDS.com to request more information or schedule an appointment.
Dr. Todd Barsky
7600 S. Red Road, Suite 116
Miami, FL
786-542-1071