Lumineers^® vs. Traditional Porcelain Veneers

Lumineers^® are a brand of porcelain veneers made from a patented type of ultra-strong porcelain called Cerinate and marketed by Den-Mat. They can be bonded or pasted directly on top of your teeth with no drilling. Only certified Lumineers dentists may offer this procedure due to the delicate nature and complex placement of the Cerinate. Because the Lumineer is so thin, color control becomes an issue. This means color depth, brightness, transparency, and hue are all important for a beautiful smile. Beverly Hills area cosmetic dentist Dr. Kevin Sands is Lumineer certified and offers this procedure.

Similarities between Lumineers and porcelain veneers include:

• Both only cover visible portions of the teeth
• Both correct minor imperfections
• Both can conceal stains
• Both can give teeth the appearance of being straighter and longer

Unlike traditional porcelain veneers, the Lumineers process is reversible since enamel doesn’t have to be removed from your teeth. Any anesthetic that might be needed for traditional porcelain veneers is not needed with Lumineers.

Some Differences between Lumineers and Traditional Porcelain Veneers

Some Lumineers patients have said that the porcelain feels bulky or looks bulky. This is because there is no tooth enamel reduction and no compensation for the added thickness. While there may be problems with Lumineers and tooth coloring, traditional porcelain veneers are better able to match your existing teeth. Lumineers are better for the most minor tooth corrections while traditional porcelain veneers are able to correct more types of imperfections.

The only way to tell if Lumineers are a better option for you is to speak to a certified Lumineers cosmetic dentist. If you are in the Beverly Hills, California area and are interested in Lumineers or traditional porcelain veneers, please contact experienced cosmetic dentist Dr. Sands for an initial consultation.