Lumineers: What Are They and What Are Their Benefits?

Lumineers: What Are They and What Are Their Benefits?

If you feel self-conscious about your teeth, you’re not alone. Seven in 10 Americans feel insecure about their smiles. 

There are options if you want to improve the appearance and quality of your teeth. Lumineers are a cost-effective option that will boost your confidence and give you a natural-looking smile.

If you’re thinking, “what are Lumineers,” don’t worry. This guide will go over everything you need to know about the minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that will give you a beautiful smile. 

What Are Lumineers?

Lumineers are similar to veneers but don’t require as much advanced dental prep and work as veneers do. They’re made from porcelain and allow patients to achieve a perfect, permanently whiter smile. Lumineers can be as thin as contact lenses. 

When you have your Lumineers placed, you’ll experience little discomfort or sensitivity. That’s because they can get applied to your teeth without any shaving or grinding beforehand. They can also get placed over existing bridgework and crowns without the need to replace them. 

The initial process of Lumineers is similar to veneers. Your dentist will get x-rays and bite impressions of your teeth. That information will get sent to an external dental lab where your Lumineers are customized to fit your mouth. 

Lumineers can fix a variety of dental problems, including:

• Gaps
• Small cracks or chips
• Discoloration or stains 
• Crookedness
• Misalignment
• Tooth irregularities 

What’s the Cost of Lumineers?

The cost of Lumineers for stained teeth or another dental problem varies depending upon various factors. Those factors include:

• Your case’s complexity 
• The material used
• Your dentist’s level of expertise

Many insurance policies won’t cover Lumineers in full since they’re considered a cosmetic procedure. A qualified dentist will discuss your payment options with you to ensure you receive affordable care. 

Who is a Candidate for Lumineers?

Nearly any patient can receive Lumineers. However, if a patient is at high-risk for tooth damage, we might recommend another treatment besides Lumineers. This can include those who grind their teeth or have gum disease. 

When you make an appointment at our office, we’ll assess your current oral health. We’ll determine if you’re a candidate for Lumineers. If not, we’ll come up with a customized treatment plan that helps you achieve your goals. 

Are There Side Effects to Lumineers?

There is the potential for some minor side effects with Lumineers. However, with proper care and maintenance, you can avoid them. 

You might notice it’s more difficult to clean around your gum line. Not cleaning your gums could lead to gum disease. You could also experience some tooth sensitivity. 

Your dentist will provide you with proper after-care instructions. Don’t hesitate to contact them if you start to experience any side effects. 

What Are the Benefits of Lumineers?

There are multiple benefits of Lumineers, in addition to giving you a flawless smile. Read on to learn more about this minimally invasive dental procedure. 

Non-Invasive Procedure

The application of Lumineers is simple, not requiring the patient to go under anesthesia. Individuals who opt for Lumineers also experience less pain and teeth sensitivity than those who get dental crowns and veneers. 

When you have veneers or dental crowns done, you also have to have a layer of your tooth’s enamel removed to make extra room for the prosthetic. This ensures that your teeth don’t look bulky after the crown or veneer is installed. Removing the tooth enamel also means that your teeth will always need some prosthetic for protection. 

When you have Lumineers placed, you don’t need your teeth enamel removed. This is preferred since you can receive the same results as veneers or crowns in a less invasive way. Lumineers are also reversible, so you can opt for a different option if you choose. 

No Recovery Time

When you have veneers or crowns placed, your teeth might be sensitive for a period of time. Lumineers don’t require any downtime after the procedure. You can easily routine to your normal routine immediately after your procedure. 

You Won’t Need Temporary Veneers

Once your tooth enamel is removed, you’ll have to wear temporary veneers until your permanent ones are ready. Don’t worry about having to deal with bulky and uncomfortable temporary veneers. 

Preferred Alternative to Braces

If your front teeth are just a little bit out of alignment, you might not want to have to deal with the hassle of wearing braces. Lumineers are a great solution. They can help close small gaps between teeth, making them look more informed. 

Convenient and Efficient Construction 

Lumineers are digitally created, ensuring you get a natural-looking and beautiful smile. They’re around 0.2 millimeters thick and made from porcelain. They’re far thinner than traditional veneers. 

Lumineers are also very lightweight. The way they’re designed enables them to resist leakage and cracking better than traditional veneers. Despite being so lightweight, they’re just as durable as other dental procedures and can last for up to 20 years. 

Permanently Gets Rid of Discolored Teeth

Stained and discolored teeth can be a major issue for some people. Teeth whitening is an effective option but might not get rid of all the stains on your teeth. It’s also not a permanent option. 

Lumineers help you achieve an instantly whiter and brighter smile. Your teeth will stay luminous, no matter what you eat or drink. 

Less Prep Work 

With Lumineers, you’ll need around two appointments before you get your Lumineers. The first appointment after your initial consult will be to receive x-rays and bite impressions. Once your impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, your Lumineers will be ready in around two to four weeks. 

Once your Lumineers arrive at our office, we’ll schedule a second appointment. During that appointment, your Lumineers will get bonded to your teeth. 

Contact Our Office for a Free Consultation 

Hopefully, we’ve answered the question of “what are Lumineers?” Whether you need Lumineers for chipped teeth or correct another dental issue, our office is here to answer all your questions. 

Contact us today to schedule a free virtual or in-person consultation.