Thinking of getting porcelain veneers in London but are hesitant due to any drilling or filing that may be involved? You might be tempted, then, by the idea of ‘non-invasive veneers’.
This sounds like the dream, doesn’t it? Having teeth that are of the quality of a professional set of porcelain veneers without having to wait to receive any dental work before they are fitted – you might even save a bit of money, too.
If something sounds too good to be true then it probably is. And while some non-invasive veneers can perform an adequate job of improving the aesthetics of your smile, their results simply do not live up to the reputation created by porcelain veneers.
Carry on reading for more on the different types of no prep veneers and how they compare to our veneers made of ceramic materials.
What are non-invasive veneers?
Non-invasive and minimal prep veneers are similar to porcelain veneers except they are a little bit cheaper, thinner, and easier to apply.
They are closer to porcelain veneers than they are to clip in veneers as they still need to be fitted to each tooth individually, and the best kinds of non-prep veneers are made of a type of porcelain rather than resin materials.
Because they are thinner than porcelain veneers, it is often the case that natural teeth do not have to be shaved down at all in order to fit them. In comparison, porcelain veneers will require some form of shaving of the enamel in order to make room for the veneers.
For this reason, non-invasive veneers are considered ‘reversible’ – even though there may be some cases where a small amount of enamel will need to be shaved away.
How much do non-invasive veneers cost?
Prices can vary between cosmetic clinics, but non-invasive veneers are typically less expensive per tooth than porcelain veneers are.
Some non-invasive veneers are more expensive than others (more on this later), but you will typically save some money upfront if you opt for non-invasive veneers over porcelain veneers.
One factor that you will have to consider alongside cost is the lifespan of the veneers. For example, our porcelain veneers can last between 10-20 years, whereas minimally invasive veneers will usually last around 10 years before needing to be replaced. This means that you may end up spending more money in the long run by paying for the non-invasive material.
It is worth mentioning that at Marylebone Smile Clinic, we aim to leave 95% of your natural tooth structure whenever possible. This is comparable to levels seen with minimal preparation veneers.
What are Lumineers?
Lumineers are a well-known brand of minimally invasive veneers that have risen in popularity over recent years.
They are made of cerinate porcelain which is very thin while remaining relatively durable, yet it is more translucent than other porcelains.
Because they are a popular brand, you will find that the prices for Lumineers are more similar to that of porcelain veneers.
Porcelain veneers or Lumineers?
There are pros and cons to every type of veneer. However, most believe porcelain veneers and Lumineers to be rather similar – so where do the differences lie?
Here are some of the key aspects of receiving veneers, and information about how porcelain veneers and Lumineers match up for each.
Speed of installation
Like with porcelain veneers, you will still need two appointments to receive Lumineers as they are custom-made following an evaluation of your teeth at a consultation with a cosmetic dentist. However, because no filing or drilling is required, you will receive Lumineers sooner than you would porcelain veneers.
The other positive aspects of this are that you will be able to revert to your natural smile if you wish, and you will not risk any additional tooth sensitivity if you do so.
With porcelain veneers, your teeth will have to be prepared before your cosmetic dentist can create and fit your veneers. This means that you will not be able to reverse your decision in the future if you decide that you do not want porcelain veneers anymore.
All of this is assuming that you are eligible for either type of veneer. You may need dental or orthodontic work before you are eligible.
Aesthetics
Lumineers are thinner and more translucent than porcelain materials, which means that they produce lower-quality results for patients with severely discoloured teeth.
As well as this, patients with severely chipped or damaged teeth may be better suited for porcelain materials as their natural teeth may need to be shaped before veneers can be applied, meaning that porcelain veneers may be a wiser investment.
Porcelain veneers are still translucent, yet they are translucent at just the right amount to replicate the colour of naturally white teeth. Their aesthetics really are unmatched.
Durability and lifespan
While Lumineers are still very durable for materials as thin as they are, porcelain veneers are more durable as they are of a stronger type of porcelain and are slightly thicker.
This extra thickness does not detract from aesthetics in any way as it is just a few millimetres, making it practically impossible to tell the difference between the thickness of the two materials with the human eye.
Porcelain veneers at Marylebone Smile Clinic can last between 10-20 years, during which time they will keep their brilliant appearance if looked after properly. Lumineers, on the other hand, last closer to 10 years. What’s more, there are reports that non-invasive veneers can begin to stain around the edges after just five years.
Cost
The cost between the two is hard to compare online and will vary from clinic to clinic.
However, there is not much between the two types of veneer when it comes to price per tooth. It is most worthwhile to consider the cost of replacing the veneers over the course of your lifetime. And because Lumineers need replacing more frequently, you are likely to spend more money on them as a result.
Veneers clinic in London
If you would like to know more about how you can receive veneers in London, then contact our cosmetic dental clinic here.
We are based in Harley Street, London – one of the best locations in the world for private cosmetic and medical treatments.
It is very easy to get started on the road to your dream smile. Simply send us a picture of your teeth and we will be back in touch with you to perform a free online consultation. We hope to see you soon!