In today’s world, having an attractive smile is as important as driving a beautiful car and wearing expensive clothes. This is because your smile and facial aesthetics is the first thing people notice about you, and they will make a first impression based on that – and only later will they observe your clothes or shoes.
So, an attractive smile is essential for enjoying a good social and love life. Some people are naturally blessed with perfectly aligned, pearly white teeth that beautify their smiles. Others are not lucky and may have facial defects that ruin their smile and personality. Unfortunately, people with flawed smiles are perceived as less friendly and unapproachable than those with naturally beautiful smiles, according to an American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry survey.
If you or a loved one is concerned about their smile and wants to eliminate their aesthetic facial defects like teeth stains, chips, or gaps, there is no need to worry. Cosmetic dentistry can help you get a smile you have always dreamed of. Cosmetic dentists routinely use veneers and lumineers to rejuvenate flawed smiles. But which of these options is better for me? You may ask. Don’t worry; we will answer this question and many others about lumineers and veneers in this blog. So, continue reading to find out.
What Are Lumineers? Are They The Same As Dental Veneers?
According to Healthline, lumineers have the same design as veneers. However, they are even thinner than veneers. Therefore, they don’t require extensive healthy tooth removal for bonding. This is why lumineers are also known as no- or minimum-prep veneers.
What Are The Differences Between Lumineers And Veneers?
Veneers and lumineers are cosmetic restorations used for fixing various cosmetic tooth defects. While both these restorations have the same purpose and design, they differ only in terms of their thickness. A luminaire is extremely thin, typically 0.2mm. On the other hand, veneers are slightly bulkier and are typically 0.5mm thick. Moreover, a lumineer is more translucent than veneers and, therefore, has better aesthetics.
Are Lumineers Cheaper Than Veneers?
Since lumineers are much thinner and more translucent than veneers, their fabrication process is more intricate. Besides, higher-quality materials are needed for their fabrication, which adds to their cost. As a result, lumineers are more expensive than veneers.
How Do Lumineers And Veneers Compare In Terms Of Cost?
The cost of lumineers and veneers depends on various factors, such as the number of teeth to be restored, the dentist’s location, qualifications, and experience. Typically, a single veneer may cost between £700 – £1500. On the other hand, lumineers being more expensive, cost between £800 – £2000. In most cases, veneers and lumineers are not covered under dental insurance plans.
Should I Get Dental Veneers Or Dental Bonding?
The choice between veneers and dental bonding depends on how concerned you are about your smile and appearance. For example, dental bonding is a direct restoration placed at the dental chairside, whereas a veneer is an indirect restoration. This means that veneers are prepared in the dental laboratory under controlled conditions. Therefore, veneers tend to be longer-lasting and have superior aesthetics. So, if cosmetic restoration of the front teeth is sought, porcelain veneers are a better option.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Veneers?
Like all dental restorations and treatment options, dental veneers have a few pros and cons:
Pros of Dental Veneers
- Excellent, lifelike aesthetics
- Very little tooth preparation is needed
- Have limited repair potential
Cons of Dental Veneers
- Get stained over time if optimal oral hygiene is not maintained
- Cannot be whitened with professional teeth whitening if the veneers get stained
- More expensive than bonding
How Long Do Veneers Last Before They Need To Be Replaced?
According to Healthline, veneers can last between 10 – 15 years. You can also expect them to last longer than 20 years if they are looked after properly through optimal oral hygiene maintenance, dietary care, and regular dental checkup visits. So, it all depends on you! The more you look after your natural and veneered teeth, the longer they are expected to last.
Do Composite Veneers Look Natural?
A common concern about composite veneers is whether they look natural. To understand this, let us learn more about composite-based veneers. A composite veneer comprises a tooth-coloured resin. A special feature of this resin is that your dentist can precisely match the shade and colour of this veneer to your adjacent natural teeth. So, you can rest assured that your composite veneers will blend in perfectly and become virtually indistinguishable.
However, it must be remembered that composite veneers can get stained if they are not looked after well. For example, excessive coffee, tea, tobacco, or alcohol intake can cause staining of the veneers. Unfortunately, stains on veneers cannot be removed with professional whitening. In such cases, the only solution is to replace the veneers with fresh ones.
If you’re considering getting lumineers or veneers, visiting an experienced and qualified dentist is the most crucial aspect. You may find numerous dentists in your area offering unbelievable aesthetic outcomes at ridiculously low prices, but you should beware of them. Most of these practices have novice dentists who will do more harm to your teeth and smile than good. If you live in Oxford, you should visit Oxford Smiles Clinic for all your general and cosmetic dental needs. So, request a consultation appointment with us today and take your first step towards your dream smile.