The Forbes Health editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Health site. This compensation comes from two main sources. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Second, we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles; these “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them.
The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Health. While we work hard to provide accurate and up-to-date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Health does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. Dentalmodel
Those looking to improve the appearance of their teeth may consider veneers as a way to enhance their smile. There are different types of veneers available, and finding what works for you depends on your personal habits and the condition of your teeth.
One option includes Lumineers, a specific brand of porcelain veneer created by DenMat Lab in California. These veneers differ from the traditional type in a number of ways, such as process and overall look.
If you’re considering veneers and whether Lumineers specifically may be a good fit for you, here’s what you need to know to make the most informed decision possible. This article focuses on the differences between porcelain veneers and Lumineers. Experts note that the terms “traditional veneers” and “porcelain veneers” are used interchangeably.
Veneers are custom-made shells placed on the front of the teeth as a way to improve dental imperfections, such as stained, chipped, decayed or crooked teeth.
“Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are permanently bonded to the front surface of your tooth,” explains Michael Kosdon, D.D.S., a cosmetic dentist at Smiles of NYC, based in New York City.
“Veneers are the perfect collusion for naturally enhancing and fixing one’s smile,” he adds. “In addition to whitening, veneers are used to fix teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored and misaligned.”
Meanwhile, “Lumineers are a brand-name veneer made by one specific company/lab and are used in the same manner as porcelain veneers,” says Dani Benyaminy, D.D.S. a Los Angeles-based cosmetic dentist.
Both traditional veneers and Lumineers have the same end goal—to improve the look of your smile. However, they have some essential differences.
One difference is the preparation process. Those getting traditional veneers may have to have some of their enamel removed if necessary, which allows space for the veneers to fit in the mouth. This can be a lengthy process. After the teeth are made thinner, the veneers are custom-made, requiring the individual to wear a temporary set made of acrylic for about one to four weeks in the interim, notes Tyler Hales, D.D.S., a celebrity cosmetic dentist at Hales Aesthetic in Beverly Hills, California. “The temporary set can be used as a ‘trial smile’ so you can see how the final veneers are going to look before they’re finished being made,” explains Dr. Kosdon.
Meanwhile, Lumineers are a type of porcelain veneer that are sometimes referred to as a “no-prep” process. While porcelain veneers can require the use of anesthesia shots to limit pain or sensitivity, Lumineers utilize a minimally invasive technique that doesn’t require a temporary set or injections. “For anyone terrified of getting numb, the drill or having any enamel removed, Lumineers may be your best option,” says Dr. Kosdon.
Otherwise, the process of bonding Lumineers to the teeth is the same as traditional porcelain veneers, explains Dr. Hales.
However, it’s also important to note that the prep process for both traditional veneers and Lumineers really depends on the desired outcome and the state of the teeth you’re starting out with.
Aesthetics are another difference between the two. Porcelain veneers are typically thicker, so they are better at hiding very stained teeth.
Lumineers are not as thick as traditional porcelain veneers, and are described as being “as thin as a contact lens,” which allows them to be applied over teeth more easily. “Lumineers are ultra-thin when compared to traditional porcelain veneers,” says Dr. Benyaminy. “Given their thin nature, they are not as effective at covering dark/discolored teeth.” Lumineers typically don’t look as natural as porcelain veneers either, notes Dr. Kosdon.
Because Lumineers are so thin, they also don’t last as long as traditional veneers, adds Dr. Benyaminy. They are also more fragile than traditional veneers.
Both traditional porcelain veneers and Lumineers are not cheap, although the pricing varies depending on where you get them done.
The price range for porcelain veneers may range anywhere from $900 to $2,500 per tooth and between $800 and $2,500 per tooth for Lumineers. Since traditional veneers and Lumineers are considered cosmetic procedures, they are generally not covered by insurance.
You own your smile, and you should own it forever. With Byte, watch your smile transform with digital access to your doctor-directed treatment plan.
Veneers and Lumineers each have their own sets of pros and cons when considering which is best for you.
The pros associated with traditional veneers are:
The cons of traditional veneers are as follows:
Lumineers have their own set of pros and cons. The pros include:
The cons of Lumineers include:
When deciding between traditional veneers or Lumineers, you should think about the condition of your teeth and the result you want to achieve.
Talk to your dentist about what they think is best for you, according to the state of your teeth. “Look at the different before/after pictures from the dentist you choose to work with to decide which is best for you,” says Dr. Kosdon. “Generally, Lumineers look best when there are gaps between the teeth and for teeth that are too small. I would [not] recommend them for teeth that are crowded or overlapped.”
If you want your smile to look as natural as possible, Dr. Kosdon recommends traditional porcelain veneers, which do tend to look more natural than Lumineers. He also recommends traditional porcelain veneers for someone with darker, stained teeth.
At the end of the day, it’s important to choose the right dentist for your needs and to discuss your options with them. “Find someone that knows what they are doing and [is] going to make the right veneers for you.”
Veneers are a great option for anyone who wants to improve the appearance of their teeth. Traditional veneers require more prep work at the dentist, but may also look more natural and last longer. Lumineers, a specific brand of porcelain veneers, are a no-prep option that works better for less stained, smaller teeth. Choosing the option that’s right for you depends on your teeth, but always talk to a dentist before making a decision.
Impress Yourself, With Byte Teeth Aligners
The journey to a new smile starts by taking impressions of your teeth from the comfort of your home. With your purchase from Byte, receive a free retainer, free whitening treatment, and help from a clinical team.
Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.
Jessica Booth is a New York-based freelance writer who regularly writes about health, wellness, parenting, food, travel, beauty and more for a variety of publications. She currently writes for Forbes Health, Insider, The Daily Beast, Brides, Redbook, Woman's Day, Women's Health, Scary Mommy, Romper and Life Savvy. Her byline has also appeared on Refinery 29, Cosmopolitan, Delish, Greatist, The Inventory, and Bustle. She previously worked as the editor-in-chief of Gurl.com, part of Defy Media.
Prosthodontics Dr. Teresa Yang is a general dentist and dental writer. In today’s managed care and insurance-driven world, she started and developed two practices from scratch where she treated patients for over 30 years. Dr. Yang has served in many capacities with the California Dental Association, including Chair of the Peer Review Council, a program for dispute resolution between patients and dentists. She has lectured extensively on peer review and conflict resolution. Dr. Yang is also a former faculty member and group director at the UCLA School of Dentistry.