cheap porcelain veneers Archives

I want to get a smile makeover and have been comparing DURAthinveneers to Lumineers. Which one is cheaper? I think I am gravitating toward the photographs I’ve seen of Durathin. But I’m keeping my options open.

-Amanda in New Jersey

Amanda,

The first question that needs to be asked is, have you consulted with a cosmetic dentist yet? Or have you been searching online looking at pictures? In the day and age we live in, it’s true that we cost compare almost everything, from a new appliance to new shoes. But there is a shift that you need to make when considering porcelain veneers. This isn’t some product that you can return when it doesn’t fit right. The difference in the price of the porcelain between these two brands is approximately one percent. It really doesn’t matter the brand. The cost of porcelain veneers comes from selecting the right dentist. Any dentist can place Lumineers or Durathin veneers. But when it comes to a smile makeover, you’re talking about the first thing people see when you smile, how you feel at a job interview, and how others see you. You need to make sure you find an excellent cosmetic dentist that can make the right recommendations for your specific concerns and not just the cheapest option around.

Most expert cosmetic dentists won’t even place Lumineers. There are trademark restrictions on this brand of porcelain veneers that they must be manufactured in the Lumineers laboratory. Therefore, there isn’t much that the cosmetic dentist can do to tailor them to match your complexion, facial shape, and personality. Many patients end up feeling like Lumineers look bulky and others say the look fake and just aren’t happy in the long run. Therefore, if you are looking for an ultra-thin brand of veneers, DURAthin will likely win out.

But if you say that you are keeping your options open, then that is the best attitude. Meet with a cosmetic dentist, one that is truly artistic. It will be worth every penny you spend on yourself. Only 1-2% of dentists truly have the right background and training to create beautiful smiles. So do your research more on the dentist you select versus the brand that is cheaper.

My daughter is in her forties and she has what they call “peg” teeth. So, she’s looking into getting porcelain veneers on her canine teeth. But, the dentist is trying to talk her into getting porcelain veneers done on all four of her front teeth. I was wondering if dental bonding will work? It seems to be much less expensive. She simply cannot afford porcelain veneers. She had dental bonding done years ago and it doesn’t look good. I’m wondering if we could get by with some dental bonding and a couple porcelain veneers, while she’s saving up for all four veneers? Or can she just get dental bonding done on all four front teeth instead? Please tell me you have some insight.

-Shannon in Texas

The most important question that needs to be asked – is this a cosmetic dentist that is making these recommendations? You may not realize it, but only a very few cosmetic dentists can do beautiful cosmetic dentistry. General dentists have a more functional mindset about fixing a problem. A cosmetic dentist is an artist. They are passionate about creating beauty. Only two percent of dentists have the ability and expertise to provide truly stunning results. So, if you’re seeing a general dentist, it’s time to move on and seek a second opinion from a cosmetic dentist. Preferably, one that can show you specific before and after examples of cases similar to your daughter’s issues.

Dental bonding takes a highly skilled hand and can take just as long as porcelain veneers to do. So, when you are saying it’s much cheaper, you need to consider the source. If it is drastically cheaper, it may not be the quality you are expecting. Proceed with caution.

Your daughter may not have a handle on the explanation given by the dentist either, because typically “peg teeth” refer to the lateral incisors. This would make sense as to why the dentist is recommended your daughter get four veneers (two lateral incisors and two central incisors). That said, this may speak volumes. An expert cosmetic dentist wouldn’t need to do all four porcelain veneers, if they could blend in the two teeth that need to be done to the surrounding teeth. This may be an indicator that the dentist doesn’t have the confidence in his or her work. Again, it may be worth your while to get a second opinion by an expert.

It is difficult to give specific recommendation without having seen your daughter’s case. So, these are all assumptions and may not be the correct. But an expert cosmetic dentist should be able to do two porcelain veneers (not all four) if they are skilled at cosmetic dentistry.

Just keep in mind that dental bonding can be made to look beautiful, if it’s done by an excellent cosmetic dentist. But it will need to be replaced and redone over the years.

Thank you for your questions.

What’s cheaper Lumineers or Durathin veneers?

My daughter is cheap. Will dental bonding work instead of porcelain veneers?