If you’re thinking about getting cosmetic dentistry in Campbell, CA, you may be wondering what type of porcelain veneers are right for you. Traditional veneers are strong, but require the removal of some of your natural enamel. Lumineers, on the other hand, often can be placed with minimal or no enamel removal.
What’s best for you? In this blog from Vino Smiles Dentistry, we’ll answer a few top FAQs to help you learn more about the difference between these treatments.
Traditional porcelain veneers are pretty thick. This makes them strong, but means that you must have some of your natural tooth material removed during the preparation process. Removing this tooth material ensures that your veneers don’t add too much bulk to your smile. However, this process is not reversible. With traditional veneers, you will need to keep your veneers for the rest of your life, since your teeth will be a bit weaker if they were removed.
Lumineers, on the other hand, are made of a very thin yet durable porcelain material that’s very thin, about the same thickness as a contact lens. This means that they can be placed over your teeth without removing any enamel, in many cases. With Lumineers, you won’t spend as much time at the dentist, and you may be able to reverse your veneer treatment in the future, if you ever need to do so.
The answer is “it depends.” While Lumineers are sometimes advertised as “no-prep” veneers, a more accurate term would be “minimal prep” veneers. In many cases, it’s still necessary for Dr. Rodriguez to remove a very small amount of enamel from some of your teeth to accommodate your Lumineers.
Still, even when this is necessary, much less enamel must be removed, so Lumineers are still a great minimally-invasive alternative to traditional veneers. The need for enamel removal depends on the patient, too. In some cases, patients can get Lumineers without any tooth trimming at all.
Yes. The price for both Lumineers and traditional porcelain veneers depends on each patient’s unique situation, how many teeth are being treated, and lots of other factors. Generally speaking, though, they're about the same price. Dr. Rodriguez can provide you with a more informed estimate for treatment after your cosmetic consultation at Vino Smiles Dentistry.
Since they're thinner, Lumineers tend to have a lifespan that’s a bit shorter than thicker traditional veneers. You can expect Lumineers to last 10 years, and they can last up to 20 years with proper at-home oral care.
Traditional porcelain veneers commonly last up to 20 years before needing to be replaced. However, the lifespan of veneers really does depend on your oral hygiene and your personal habits.
The best way is to visit an experienced cosmetic dentist in Campbell, CA, such as Dr. Christopher Rodriguez. With a consultation at Vino Smiles Dentistry, you can explore all of your options for cosmetic care, including traditional veneers and Lumineers. As an expert cosmetic dentist, Dr. Rodriguez can work with you to help you choose the treatment that’s right for your own unique needs.
A better smile is just a click or a call away. To learn more about Lumineers and porcelain veneers in Campbell, CA, just contact Vino Smiles Dentistry online or give us a call at (408) 320-5251. We’re always accepting new patients in the area, and Dr. Rodriguez would love to meet you and help you take the first steps toward the smile you deserve.
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