Lumineers® vs. Traditional Porcelain Veneers

Creating a beautiful and healthy smile is now a reality thanks to sophisticated veneer options available from Monique Y. Perez, DDS.

With a history as far back as the early Twentieth Century, veneers are now an incredibly popular cosmetic dental treatment. Our Pasadena dentist, Dr. Perez, offers veneers which can dramatically improve the look of existing teeth. But patients do have choices when it comes to dental veneers – Lumineers® or Traditional Porcelain Veneers. Here is a brief overview of both:

Lumineers: In short, Lumineers® are a thinner, lighter, simpler version of the traditional porcelain veneer. They are constructed of a porcelain material called Cerinate®, which provides more durability with less material used, and end up being no thicker than a contact lens. Lumineers® can be applied without local anesthesia, as the process does not require the grinding and sanding associated with traditional veneers. Lumineers® offer some cosmetic correction for misaligned teeth and gaps in the smile, but traditional options often support greater freedom when it comes to creating the ideal smile. Lumineers® are thinner than regular veneers, requiring a greater degree of accuracy and craftsmanship on the part of our Pasadena dentist.

Traditional Porcelain Veneers: Veneers are constructed of rugged and attractive, medical-grade porcelain. The thickness of traditional veneers require some irreversible removal of existing, healthy tooth material to ensure a consistent bond. Just as with Lumineers®, traditional veneers are individually crafted for each patient. The result is a lifelike appearance that looks perfectly matched to the cosmetic dental needs of the individual.

Which option is better? While there are certainly benefits inherent to both options, the best course of action is to schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dental professional who can help to identify the right option for you. Regardless of the chosen method, patients must have good overall oral health in order to receive veneers. Veneers patients will generally have chips or cracks in existing teeth, or may be suffering from teeth alignment issues, discoloration, or gaps in the teeth that can be addressed using either Lumineers® or traditional porcelain veneers.

For more information on veneers and other cosmetic dental treatment options, contact the Pasadena dental office of Monique Y. Perez, DDS today!