What’s the difference between lumineers and veneers?
You may have noticed that most celebrities have the perfect smile.
But these days it’s not just celebrities who are looking to upgrade their smile. Anyone can.
When it comes to dental flaws, lumineers and veneers are perfect as they have the ability to improve your smile and hide imperfections.
Constructed from natural materian, the small porcelain shells bond to your existing teeth and covers an array of dental problems like stains, discolouration and chipped teeth.
What’s the difference between lumineers and veneers?
Whilst Lumineers and veneers operate the same way they do differ when it comes to their procedures and the affects they have on the original tooth.
Veneers:
Veneers are the popular choice among patients – this is because they are thinner and have more of a natural look in comparison to lumineers.
Fitting veneers requires that the original tooth is partially removed and reshaped. In order to achieve a natural look, Dr Bloom will remove around 5mm of the orginal tooth’s surface.
The enamel will be stripped, which means that the tooth will remain unprotected until the veneer has been placed.
The removal of the enamel can make some patients nervous because it is permanent, so once the process has begun it cannot be reversed.
Fitting veneers can take up to two visits.
Lumineers:
Lumineers act just the same as veneers. However, lumineers are known to be less invasive.
The original tooth will remain unchanged and the enamel will not be touched. So, when it comes to a long-term solution patients prefer this process.
However, lumineers are a lot thinner than Veneers – about the same size as a contact lense. And this means that the overall look and feel may appear and feel bulkier.
So, in this case it’s important to opt for an experienced dental practionier, who will be able to create a flawless, all-natural smile.
Plus, lumineers have a quicker application than Veneers as they do not require the teeth to be shaved down beforehand.
Typically, lumineers take two visits to apply.
So, it’s important before you decide to undergo either of the procedures to know the differences and review your options.
But because everyone is different, it is highly advised have a personalised consultion with our award-winning restorative dentist; Dr Bloom, who will make sure you choose the best option for you.
The similarities
Lumineers and veneers are very similar. Both function the same and improve the appearance of crooked or stained teeth as well as being used to cover gaps that form between teeth.
Both options will be able to provide you with not only a whiter smile, but a brighter one too.
Neither one is more comfortable than the other and both pull off a very natural-looking smile. Other similarities include:
- Veneers and lumineers are both made out of a thin layer of porcelain
- They are long-lasting and very durable
- Both are easy to maintain
- Neither will stain over time
- They are both custom-made and are priced similarly
Are you interested in learning more about which option will be best for you? Book an appointment by using the button below…
Simple Dental Finance Plans
- We can help establish monthly payment plans.
- We provide 0% finance for up to 24 month term plans. Many patients find our payment plan option very useful.
- Terms over 24 months will be low-interest bearing.
- If you would like to consider this option we will need to carry out a few credit checks.
- We can discuss payment plans at both the Hertfordshire & the London clinic
Pain-free treatment no drilling or injections
Veneers are usually not painful whilst you are having the treatment.
However, some have reported slight sensitivity during the settling down period after the final fitting. This is quite normal and nothing to worry about. It usually only lasts for a few days and very soon after subsidies. More.
The sensitivity is due to the bonding process where an inorganic substance (the veneer) has been bonded to an organic component (your tooth).
In complex cases, involving a large amount of treatment, you may experience a little uncomfortableness while your teeth settle down.
Fast, simple, pain-free process
- At your first appointment, your dentist will take a look at the general health of your teeth and gums, your bite and understand your goals for your smile; and then see if any fundamental issues need addressing before cosmetic veneer work can begin.
- We will also discuss the type of veneers that may be suitable and also the how-many-veneers that should be considered in achieving your desired smile. On some patients, it may be possible to get some veneers placed at an initial phase and then to have the possibility of additional veneers in the future.
Tooth Preparation
- We will always plan your new smile before any treatment is carried out. We aim to provide you with the most conservative and preservative dentistry.
- In order, to prevent excessive tooth preparation, we design your new smile in a way that minimises tooth preparation. We also provide options whereby you can have orthodontic or teeth straightening treatment carried out before any cosmetic veneer work is done.
- This way your teeth are already well aligned and so very minimal or hardly any tooth preparation become necessary.
- If you are concerned in any way we advise that you speak to us in your complimentary consultation. We will be able to provide you with suitable solutions. More.
Simple, transparent pricing
A few factors will affect the total cost of your cosmetic veneers:
- The type of material used – Porcelain (Ultrathin or Lumineers ) are more expensive than composite resin veneers.
- The number of veneers being applied – veneers are priced per tooth and so the more you have, the higher the cost.
- Your dental health – if you require treatment for other dental issues such as tooth decay or gum disease before veneers can be fitted then this will be included in the total cost of your dentistry work. More.
Frequently asked questions
- WHAT IS A DENTAL VENEER?
- ARE VENEERS PAINFUL?
- WHAT TYPE OF PORCELAIN VENEERS ARE THERE?
- WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES TO PORCELAIN?
- HOW LONG WILL TREATMENT TAKE?
- HOW MUCH DO VENEERS COST FOR YOUR TEETH?
- ARE THERE ANY COMPLICATIONS?
- IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT?
- HOW DO I GET THE SMILE THAT I WANT?
- WHAT IS THE MAINTENANCE THAT IS REQUIRED?
Natural-looking
Will my veneers match the colour of my existing teeth?
Veneers are colour matched and then shaped to blend in with your existing teeth. To the naked eye, veneers are very hard to spot.
Advantages
- They cosmetically enhance the shape of your teeth instantly change your appearance
- Have whiter looking teeth
- Crooked teeth the illusion of being straight
- Porcelain veneers are more resistant to stains than natural teeth
- They are a less invasive option than porcelain crowns
- Nearly impossible to tell the difference between veneers and natural teeth
- Veneers protect the underlying tooth
More.
Aesthetic Success delivered in a few appointments
Step 1: comprehensive assessment |
Step 2: the trial smile |
Step 3: review & shade selection |
Step 4: the fitting visit |
Step 5: the final review visit |
Dentists with a special interest in veneers
An unparalleled level of patient trust: Dr Rahul Doshi is the founder of the Perfect Smile and is the current President of the BACD.
With over 25 years of experience, Perfect Smile Studios has a highly-skilful team that has access to the latest dental technology.
Transparent pricing
How Much Do veneers Cost? A number of factors will affect the total cost of your cosmetic veneers. More.
Composite Veneers | £600 to £750 per tooth |
Immediate Veneers | £600 to £750 per tooth |
Lumineers | £850 to £950 per tooth |
Ultrathin Veneers | £950 to £1050 per tooth |
- 150+ years of combined experience
- Est in 1994
- CQC registered
- Faster appointment times
- All staff are GDC registered
- Recommend excellent by Trustpilot
Medically reviewed & updated on May 24, 2022