Porcelain veneers vs Lumineers - The London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry

Porcelain Veneers vs Lumineers: Pros and Cons

November 26, 2021

Are you looking to improve your smile or considering getting veneers to protect your teeth?

Whatever the reason you’re seeking veneer treatment, there is plenty of information you should know about what the procedure will involve and how veneers can brighten and whiten your smile.

The truth is that lumineers are now a popular alternative treatment to traditional-style porcelain veneers. Lumineers are a branded type of veneer that differ in many ways. So we’re here to help you understand the real difference between veneers and Lumineers. 

So, if we look at veneers vs Lumineers, how do the two compare, and which is the better option? That is the question! Well, there are pros and cons to both options and the correct answer depends on what’s most important to you as a patient with specific dentistry needs.

The decision is down to you, and we believe here at The London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry that you should be fully aware of everything you need to know about veneers and Lumineers before booking your consultation with us. 

So let’s discuss the important question of which is better, veneers vs Lumineers? We will outline the details of each procedure and discuss the pros and cons of them both to help you decide. 

Porcelain veneers vs Lumineers - The London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry

What is the difference between veneers and Lumineers?

Veneers are a cosmetic coating made of porcelain that covers your natural teeth, designed to improve your smile by making your teeth appear whiter and straighter. Porcelain veneers are classed as a cosmetic procedure, but they can also help to protect the teeth from damage.

Lumineers, on the other hand, are a specific brand of veneers that are sometimes referred to as no-prep. This is because the application typically takes less time, with much less preparation needed than for traditional veneers.

Lumineers are specifically designed to be thinner, too, minimising the damage to the natural teeth underneath and offering a more economical option for those looking for veneers on a lower budget.

For this reason, Lumineers are better suited to patients who may not want to wear veneers forever, as they can be removed without damage to the teeth.

 

Porcelain veneers vs Lumineers - The London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry

Veneers vs. Lumineers: what’s the process?

One of the biggest reasons why patients sometimes choose Lumineers over traditional veneers is because the application process is significantly shorter and less intensive.

Veneers

There are numerous steps to the application of porcelain veneers. It starts with a consultation with your cosmetic dentist, who will grind down a thin layer (roughly 2mm) of your teeth’s outer enamel surface to ensure the veneers can fit properly onto your teeth.

An impression mould of your mouth will then be made, ready for a dental laboratory to create your set of custom porcelain veneers, which will be shaped and sized to your mouth’s specifications.

In the meantime, you’ll be given a set of temporary acrylic veneers whilst you wait up to 4 weeks. Once they’re ready, your dentist will fix the porcelain veneers onto your natural teeth using a bonding solution.

Lumineers

Unlike traditional veneers, Lumineers do not require any prep work, including the grinding down of your teeth’s outer enamel layer.

Instead, you’ll likely only have 2 appointments in total – the first being so your dentist can make the mould of your mouth and the second being around 4 weeks later when your new Lumineers can be fixed and applied.

Since the enamel is not touched, you won’t need to wear temporary acrylic veneers whilst you wait for your custom Lumineers to be made and can live normally from day to day until they are ready.

Veneers Banner - The London Centre For Cosmetic Dentistry

Veneers vs Lumineers: what materials are they made of?

Both traditional veneers and Lumineers will improve the aesthetic of your smile, and generally, they will look and feel similar. However, there are various key differences that you should be aware of.

Veneers

Traditional veneers are usually made of porcelain or resin composite materials. Unlike porous tooth enamel, veneers are resistant to staining and help to make your teeth look more perfect.

Lumineers

Lumineers are essentially an ultra-thin version of traditional veneers. They are made of Cerinate porcelain and are significantly more translucent, too.

Unlike veneers, Lumineers are considered semi-permanent because they can be removed with minimal damage but still look natural.

Veneers vs Lumineers

Veneers vs Lumineers: how much will it cost?

The cost of your veneers or Lumineers will differ depending on the cosmetic dentist you visit and your individual treatment needs. Just remember that you cannot put a price on improved self-esteem.

Veneers

Porcelain veneers are generally considered a better investment in the long run because they are a permanent fix. They can last anywhere from 8 to 20 years, depending on how well you look after them.

Book your consultation with us here today to find out the exact cost of your veneer treatment.

Lumineers

Lumineers are notably less expensive than veneers. This is because the procedure takes less time and requires fewer visits to the dentist. Lumineers can also typically last as long as traditional porcelain veneers –

Lumineer manufacturers claim they can even last up to 20 years!

Veneers vs Lumineers

Veneers or Lumineers?: The Final Verdict

So, what is our final verdict? Which is better, Lumineers or porcelain veneers?

Now that we’ve outlined the difference between veneers and Lumineers, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each type of cosmetic dentistry.

Pros of Veneers:

  • Better for severely discoloured teeth
  • Porcelain veneers are slightly thicker than Lumineers and have a whiter and brighter appearance. As a result, they are the better option for patients with severely discoloured teeth.Natural appearance
  • The majority of patients agree that traditional porcelain veneers look more realistic and natural.

Cons of Veneers:

  • Permanent
  • Veneers are an irreversible fix because the enamel of the tooth has to be ground away.
  • Risk of nerve damage
  • If not performed correctly, the grinding procedure can cause damage to the teeth and their nerve endings.
  • More expensive and longer procedure
  • Due to the additional prep work, porcelain veneers are usually more expensive and the procedure takes more time.
  • You have to wear temporary veneers
  • The temporary acrylic veneers you have to wear whilst your custom veneers are created can be an inconvenience.

Pros of Lumineers:

  • No enamel grinding required
  • No prep work is needed to fix them onto your natural teeth, which means there is no permanent enamel loss. You also do not need to wear temporaries.
  • Less expensive and faster procedure
  • Lumineers are more affordable because there is no extra prep work involved, and the procedure timeline is typically faster.
  • Semi-permanent
  • Lumineers are a reversible procedure, so you can have them removed at a later date if you need to.

Cons of Lumineers:

  • Not suitable for severely discoloured teeth
  • Due to being more translucent, Lumineers are not suitable for severely discoloured teeth.
  • Increased risk of gum disease
  • Lumineers can often look and feel bulkier than traditional veneers and make it harder to clean around your gum line. As a result, Lumineers may increase the risk of developing gum disease.
  • Less natural look
  • Unlike veneers, which can be matched well to your teeth colour, Lumineers can sometimes look less natural.

 

Contact LCCD for porcelain veneers and Lumineers

Ultimately, whether you choose porcelain veneers or Lumineers, the decision is down to you and your individual needs.

Here at The London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry, we believe that you should be made fully aware of everything you need to know about veneers and Lumineers before booking your consultation with us – so you can make an informed decision about your care.

To book a consultation with one of our experts, give us a call at 0207 722 1235 or fill in our enquiry form and we’ll get back to you to arrange an appointment that suits you best.