Lumineers can be an excellent solution
Embarrassed to smile? That's the biggest reason patients come into my office for cosmetic dentistry work. It is very common to have teeth that are cracked, uneven, crooked or badly stained.
As a dentist, I am as concerned about the aesthetic aspects of my patient's teeth as I am about the health aspect. And very often the two go together. Certainly imperfect teeth affects their confidence and comfort level in social situations.
Over the last three decades, we've seen major advances in dental technology, and veneers are one of the most important. The type that I recommend for my patients are called Lumineers.
What Are Lumineers?
They are a type of veneer, very thin coverings made of laminate that are cemented onto the front of your tooth. They effectively cover up many types of imperfections, including difficult-to-remove stains, chips, unevenness and fractures.
The best veneers are made of porcelain, which is more durable and has the most natural look. Lumineers are a specific type of porcelain veneers.
What Problems Do Lumineers Fix?
My patients who request veneers have a variety of dental problems, including:
- Discolored teeth. Even laser whitening can't get rid of all types of stains.
- Veneers make a dark, stained tooth look bright and natural.
- Chipped teeth. Veneers cover over the chip and give your teeth a uniform look.
- Gaps between teeth. They eliminate wide gaps and uneven spacing between teeth.
- Crooked teeth. They make unaligned teeth look even and uniform, without the need to
wear braces for months. - Misshapen teeth. They cover over the imperfections, giving your smile an attractive
appearance. - Old bridgework or crowns. They can be applied to old dental work that looks dingy,
giving your teeth a renewed look.
How are Lumineers Fitted?
Fitting takes two visits. On the first trip, I take an impression of your mouth, both upper and lower teeth. This mold goes to the lab, along with photos. There is no need for acrylic temporaries, which are part of the process with other types of veneers.
During the second visit, which usually occurs about two weeks later, I test the veneers to make sure they are the right fit. Then I etch your teeth to prepare them, and then bond them onto your teeth one at a time. Afterward, I check your bite and the overall look. You are then done, ready to face the world with a bright, even smile.
Each visit lasts about an hour. The process is not painful because they are so thin. Most people have no discomfort or sensitivity after they are cemented into place.
Why Does a Dentist Recommend Lumineers?
There are four reasons that I prefer to fit this brand instead of other veneers.
They are less invasive. Lumineers are extremely thin, just 0.3 millimeters thick. Regular porcelain veneers are 0.5 millimeters thick. This means I need to remove less of the original, healthy tooth in order to fit them.
They are quicker and less painful to fit. As a rule, I seldom need to give a shot to my patient to counteract the effects of sensitivity and pain. I don't need to use temporaries to cover the tooth between the time I make the impression and when they are placed on the tooth. My patients experience very little downtime.
They are stronger. Stronger means they stand up to all types of food. They seldom crack or need repairs. Patients can eat any types of food safely without worrying about them falling off. Under clinical testing, Lumineers look and wear well for over 20 years.
They look more natural. Because of the high quality of the material and the fact that they are so thin, these veneers look more natural that other types. They are translucent and give people a bright, cheery smile.
If you are embarrassed about your smile, ask me about Lumineers, one of the most effective ways to improve the look of your teeth.
