Everyone tends to have a more beautiful smile and become more attractive. Somehow, your smile can be an indication of your personality and cause great impressions when you meet others. Have you ever noticed how all successful people have a flawless smile? It shows how the look of your smile can affect different aspects of your life, especially your relationship with others. The good news is that there are many different dental procedures for people who aren’t satisfied with their smiles.

As an experienced dentist providing dental veneers in Vancouver states, no matter if your teeth are discolored, chipped, crooked, or even missing, a cosmetic dentist can find you the most suitable solution according to your condition. Veneers and lumineers are popular cosmetic dental treatments that help you hide your tooth imperfections and make your smile flawless. Although these two procedures have so much in common, they still have key differences. If you don’t know which one is suitable for you, it’s vital to have enough information about each treatment. Keep reading to learn how veneers and lumineers differ from each other.

Durability: 

It’s important to know how many years veneers and lumineers last to make a wise decision. On average, veneers are more durable as they can last between ten to fifteen years. It’s even possible to keep your veneers shiny and functional for twenty years if you keep a good oral hygiene routine and have your mouth cleaned professionally. On the other hand, lumineers have a short lifespan and can last only for ten years. 

Opacity: 

Veneers are much thicker than lumineers, which makes them a great option to hide severe tooth discoloration and stubborn stains. They are made from high-quality ceramic and are highly opaque. Compared to veneers, lumineers are thinner and translucent, which explains why they aren’t suitable for people with severely discolored teeth.

Permanence: 

Once you get veneers, there is no way back. Your cosmetic dentist removes thin layers of the enamel to bond the veneer perfectly on the front surface of your tooth. You can’t remove them, but it’s possible to replace veneers if they are cracked, yellow, or damaged. Lumineers are semi-permanent and don’t require enamel removal.

Natural appearance: 

Since lumineers are thinner and more translucent than veneers, they have a more natural-looking appearance than dental veneers. 

Stain resistance: 

As mentioned, veneers are ideally thick and have a non-porous texture. It explains why they can significantly resist dental stains and can stay shiny for a long time if you maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Unlike veneers, lumineers aren’t that stain-resistant, and their color can change over time. 

Procedure complexity: 

The procedure of getting dental veneers is more complicated than lumineers. That’s because your dentist should prepare the enamel in order to bond the veneer. Applying lumineers is a far simpler treatment, and you can have a new smile in less than two weeks. 

Cost: 

Generally speaking, veneers are a bit more expensive than lumineers because they are made from stronger materials. Fortunately, both treatments are covered by dental insurance if your budget is limited. You can still ask your dentist whether they offer any suitable payment plans. 

Visit a cosmetic dentist to see which treatment is suitable for you.