Lumineers vs. Traditional Veneers
San Diego, California
When making the decision to drastically alter and improve your teeth and smile, you have two choices that are the most popular and least invasive of all methods available in cosmetic dentistry today. These include Lumineers and traditional porcelain veneers.San Diego, California cosmetic dentist Dr. James Loye can help you decide which is the best choice for you.
Lumineers
Lumineers are great for minor adjustments to the cosmetic appearance of your teeth. They are no thicker than a typical contact lens, so they do not require a lot of reshaping of your natural teeth. They also closely resemble the properties in the enamel of your own teeth.
Approximately one half of a millimeter of thickness is all that is removed before Lumineers can be affixed. Another advantage of Lumineers is that they can be removed at a later date if necessary.
Some common reasons for choosing Lumineers:
- Extending the length of shorter teeth
- Enlarging smaller teeth
- Repairing small chips, fractures or tooth wear at the edges
- Removing small spaces between the teeth
- Changing the color of existing teeth
Traditional Porcelain Veneers
In the case of a patient in need of instant orthodontic work or an extreme oral makeover, traditional veneers are the more appropriate choice. For a patient who is wishing to repair a diastema, or wide gap between two teeth, traditional veneers are the better choice.
The reason for this is because traditional veneers allow more flexibility for the cosmetic dentist. They have more ability to shape the natural tooth and the veneer for the most pleasing aesthetic look.
Similar Qualities Between the Two
While there are many differences between Lumineers and Veneers, they both offer some basic cosmetic alterations with minimal damage or reshaping of the underlying natural teeth. Some similarities include:
- They both are made of thin, porous material
- They both cover only the visible portion of the teeth
- They both repair minor tooth imperfections
- They can both be used to straighten or lengthen teeth
- They can both conceal stains and discolorations
- They both are stain resistant, durable and have a natural appearance
Choosing to obtain veneers is a big decision and the first step to obtaining a smile you will be proud to flash to the world. To find out if you are a good candidate for Lumineers or traditional veneers, please contact cosmetic dentist Dr. James Loye of Carmel Creek Dental in San Diego, California today and schedule your free consultation.
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3830 Valley Centre Drive, Suite 702
San Diego, CA 92130
