Veneer or Lumineer on One Tooth?

Question

Hi Doctors. I have had a huger white mark on my upper front tooth since a a kid. i've read that it was some calcium shortage due to sickness while the tooth was growing. I intended to do a porcelain veneer on just this one tooth but i recently heard of lumineers. My dentist says that it would be best to put lumineers on all front top teeth. is this correct? If i decide to do just one tooth would it be better to put a porcelain veneer or a lumineer? Thanks

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

And in my opinion an inferior brand. Depending on your goal, more than a single tooth may be required, but if doing just one, I would suggest layered Empress or feldspathic from an experienced cosmetic lab.

Leonard Tau, DMD · Answer

In my opinion I would do the most conservative treatment possible which would be to eliminate the white spot and place a composite restoration. If that is not satisfactory then I would consider 2,4 or 6 veneers not lumineers as I think that is an inferior product. What I would not do is a single veneer as it is one of the most difficult things to do in dentistry.

Robert Fields, DDS · Answer

If you are happy with your teeth with the exception of the white spot on one front tooth, I would suggest you start with the least invsasive procedure. This would be to take out the white spot on the front tooth replacing it with some form of composite material. I would suggest using feldspathic method to get a beautiful match, We have used Aesthetic Porcelain Institue in Los Angeles and they are a terrific lab! I would consider veneers for the second choice, but you will probably lose some of your own tooth in placing the veneer and I would do this as a second choice. You can always go to a veneer if your are unhappy with the bonding.

Brad Lockhart, DDS · Answer

If you are satisfied with the alignment of your teeth and you are doing a veneer purely to change the color of a single tooth then your best option is a traditional veneer, NOT a Lumineer. I would also suggest you consider simply cutting the "white mark" out of your tooth and replacing the white mark with composite.  If you are otherwise satisfied with your teeth this would be a much less expensive and less invasive procedure.

	As stated previously, restoring a single front tooth with a veneer or crown is THE most challenging cosmetic procedure in dentistry. You must work with a dentist who uses the highest quality lab and has a close relationship with that lab.

	Good luck!

Ron Evans, DDS · Answer

Placing one single veneer on any front tooth is, hands down, THE most difficult treatment for botht the patient and the dentist.  It could take several attempts to get the perfect match with just one veneer. 

	      In a few cases, a patient may only need two veneers, but if size and spacing is a concern, you will be better off in the long run by placing at least 8 veneers so that the lab and dentist can design and provide you with a more aesthetic smile.

Veneer or Lumineer on One Tooth?

Answers (5)