I want to get porcelain veneers. I don’t want Lumineers because I’ve heard so many bad things about them.  My dentist said if I don’t get them, my teeth will have to be ground down. I don’t want that either. Are there other thin veneers?

Miranda R. – Benton, AR

Miranda,

Your dentist is misleading you.  Your teeth don’t have to be “ground down” for porcelain veneers. That is what needs to happen for dental crowns. With porcelain veneers, there is only mild shaving; about the thickness of a fingernail. In fact, there is no real visible difference between the shaved on unshaved teeth.

I suspect your dentist is saying that because he doesn’t have the skill to do other brands. Lumineers are marketed to dentists as being super easier to place because they “require” no shaving. Unfortunately, that’s just not true in every case. Often they end up looking bulky.

There are other brands of ultra-thin veneers, but your best bet is to find a great cosmetic dentist. He’ll be able to give you the most suitable porcelain veneers to give you a gorgeous smile.

This blog is brought to you by Oklahoma City Dentist Dr. Don Swearingen.