Lumineers®

Lumineers® are a brand of dental veneers that require less dental work to apply than traditional veneers. As a result, they're often called "no prep" veneers. Lumineers® are made of "ultra-thin" laminate material instead of porcelain.

Superior Translucency and Application

Veneers and Lumineers® are used to treat and reshape discolored and irregularly shaped teeth. However, when comparing the two, Lumineers® are thinner and slightly more translucent than traditional porcelain veneers. For this reason, Lumineer®s are not always recommended for patients with severely discolored teeth.

Typically, your first appointment with the dentist is a consultation about the pros and cons of veneers vs. Lumineers®. When Lumineers® become the patient's chosen path, another appointment may be scheduled to prepare the area for application. The next appointment with the dentist is significantly shorter because the teeth do not require as much dental preparation. The preparation appointment for Lumineers® typically only requires an impression or mold to be taken and may be accomplished during the consultation appointment. The mold is then sent to a dental laboratory where your Lumineers® will be ready in approximately 2 - 4 weeks.

Traditional veneers typically require temporary veneers to be applied to protect the preparation area. This is not a requirement for Lumineers®. Once your Lumineers® are complete, you'll set up another appointment where our dentist will bond them to your teeth.

Lumineers® are semi-permanent, unlike veneers. Our dentist may remove Lumineers® with minimal disruption to your teeth. Why would you remove Lumineers®? Lumineers® have a lifespan of 10-20 years. At the end of their lifecycle, you may consider a replacement. 

Veneers

• Lifespan, longer lasting (10 - 30 years)
• Not transparent but blends with the color
• More expensive
• Better at hiding tooth decay and discoloration
• Permanent but not impervious to damage

Lumineers®

• Lifespan (10 - 20 years with current averages of less than 20 years) 
• Little to no preparation or trimming of your natural teeth
• Less expensive
• Not as good at hiding damage to your teeth
• Semi-permanent, but are easier to replace or remove without harming your natural teeth