Ultra-thin veneers designed to need little or no tooth preparation, at Highfield Dental Clinic, Edgbaston.
Minimal-preparation veneers appeal to many patients, but they only suit certain cases. Our team will tell you honestly whether your teeth are among them.
Lumineers is a brand of ultra-thin porcelain veneer made by DenMat. Because they are very thin, they can often be bonded to the front of teeth with little or no enamel removal, which in suitable cases makes the treatment potentially reversible.
They are used to improve the colour and shape of front teeth. As they are so thin, they are best suited to teeth that are already reasonably well aligned and not heavily discoloured, since a thin, translucent veneer cannot fully mask a dark tooth or correct significant misalignment.
Interested in a minimal-preparation approach to veneers in Birmingham? Our experienced team will assess whether it would work for you.
Treatment is planned over a small number of appointments. It usually involves:
Because little or no preparation is needed in suitable cases, local anaesthetic is often unnecessary.
The main appeal is preserving natural tooth. The trade-off is that adding a layer to the front of a tooth makes it slightly thicker, so if your teeth already sit forward or are crowded, the result can look bulky. In those cases, conventional veneers or orthodontics first will give a better outcome.
Thin veneers also have limited ability to mask dark or heavily stained teeth. Where discolouration is the main concern, whitening may achieve more for less. Your dentist will examine your teeth, discuss what is realistically achievable, and explain the benefits, risks and costs of every option before you decide.
In cases where no enamel is removed, they can potentially be taken off. This depends entirely on your teeth, and your dentist will confirm whether this applies to you.
Their thinness limits how well they mask discolouration. For heavily stained teeth, whitening first or conventional veneers usually give a better result
They can if your teeth already sit forward or are crowded, since a layer is being added rather than tooth removed. We assess this carefully before recommending them.
Well-made thin veneers can last many years with good care. As with any veneer, lifespan depends on your bite, habits and oral hygiene.
Neither is better in every case. Minimal-preparation veneers preserve more tooth, while conventional veneers allow greater changes in shape and colour. We will explain which suits your situation.
Often not, as little or no preparation is usually required. Your dentist will confirm at your consultation.
