Dental veneers are a type of treatment that can improve your teeth’ appearance and restore their function. They are often considered a permanent solution, as once placed on your teeth, they will likely need to stay there for life due to the amount of wear and tear usually required for their placement.

The application of dental veneers is a process that involves covering the visible surfaces of the teeth with thin shells of material that closely resembles the natural enamel. Generally, only the top six front teeth are covered, as these are the most visible when speaking or smiling. The material can be resin or ceramic, designed to look and feel like natural enamel.

Smile design can go beyond the traditional boundaries of the teeth to provide a more balanced, symmetrical look. Only the necessary number of veneers will be used to save money, as these are typically charged individually. This means that the overall cost of the procedure is determined by how many veneers are needed or what kind are used: regular ones or lumineers.

What’s the Difference between Them?

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells placed over the front of teeth to improve their aesthetics. They are more expensive than composite veneers as they require long laboratory work hours to customize them. They are highly durable and resistant to staining and can fix stained, chipped, misaligned, or gapped teeth.

On the other hand,  luminous veneers are porcelain veneers created by Den-Mat 30 years ago. They are made from a new generation of porcelain called Cerinate, which contains leucite nanocrystals and is feldspar-type porcelain. These are generally considered advantageous over other porcelain veneers and are the #1 veneers of choice for patients in the US.

Why One over the Other?

Porcelain veneers need to be placed on a layer of enamel that has been worn away to fit properly and look natural. Unfortunately, this process is irreversible, and the lost enamel cannot be replaced. As a result, people with veneers will need to wear them for life, as the natural enamel will not be intact.

Porcelain veneers aim to create a strong, aesthetically pleasing finish with minimal tooth wear. To achieve this, the veneers must be thin but strong enough to withstand daily use. Thinner veneers are considered superior because they require less tooth wear to place or may not need any wear if the right color is chosen to make them look natural.

In traditional porcelain veneers, the ceramic material could be stronger but can only be made thin, which risks breakage in the long run. Lumineers, however, are made of a special material that allows them to be very thin without compromising their strength, meaning they don’t need to reduce tooth structure to fit properly. This is a major benefit.

In Closing

Talk to your dentist about luminous veneers to ensure a more natural-looking smile design!

Book Your Appointment with Oro Valley Dental Arts

If you’re in Southern Arizona and looking for the best dental care provider, look no further than Oro Valley Dental Arts. Our team, headed by Dr. Larsen and Dr. Icely, provides comprehensive services to fulfill all your dental needs, like lumineers! Visit our website today or call 250-297-2007 to book your appointment. We’re open Mondays to Thursdays from 8 AM to 5 PM and Fridays by appointment only.