What is the difference between having veneers and lumineers?

Thickness: Lumineers are made from very strong materials that allow the thickness to be very thin compared to a traditional veneer. As a result the is very little tooth reduction necessary often without needing anesthetics. They are much stronger and a much better choice today than veneers.

Esthetics: Lumineers are porcelain veneers. The benefits of lumineers are that the often require less or no drilling. The disadvantage is that lumineers are monochromatic, meaning one shade, without variation. This gives them the 'chicklet teeth' look. They also look bulky because they are placed on top of the existing teeth. So although lumineers are often easier, they unfortunately often look fake.

Both are veneers: Lumineers are veneers made with a manufacturers special material. They are veneers. They have been around since the late 80's and were remarketed heavily as "lumineers". Advertised as contact lens thin. Veneers are a broad category of treatment now, due to the different materials and techniques for making them. I began in 1987 and still prefer the laboratory custom layering technique.

Hype: Lumineers took an old fashioned concept and poured millions of dollars in advertising in to it. Initially all veneers used to be done without preparing or shaping the teeth. The results were terrible. Since 2 things cannot occupy the same space at the same time(law of physics) original veneers were simply porcelain facings glued on teeth. This made bulky unattractive teeth.

A LOT: A veneer is custom designed to replace the tooth structure removed and to give a pretty smile. Lumineers are semi-custom and bonded over your teeth. They often make your teeth appear big, bulky, and opaque.

See below : Lumineers are like press on nails, they are extremely tin and are made specifically for your tooth . These veneers require none or in some cases minimal tooth reduction and are normally done without anesthesia. Regular veneers on the other hand normally require anesthesia, more reduction of your tooth but are much more aesthetic.

Lumineers: Lumineers are a 'brand name from a certain company(denmat) that require the dentist to use a denmat laboratory for the veneers. Other dental labs can make veneers but with different porcelain formulations. Lumineers are (supposed) to be ultra thin, and strong, when used with a certain denmat cement.

Brand: Lumineers, macveneers, durathinveneers, feldspathic veneers, all veneers types can carry a brand type. Just make sure your dentist goes over materials, the expectations, and durability with you. Materials range from lithium disilicate, leucite reinforced, to porcelain. Communication is key.

Not much: Lumineers are a brand name, like Nike. There are many brands of materials to use for veneers. Just because Lumineers has decided to market to the general public does not mean that it is the best veneer. Moreover, a relatively small percentage of dentists have decided to limit their experience to Lumineers. There are many quality-oriented dentists who have not opted to pursue the Lumineer brand.

Lumineers vs. veneer: Lumineers or non-prep veneers do not alter the structure of the tooth and therefore might be a better long term solution. See your dentist to find out if you are a good candidate.