Lumineers

What are Lumineers?

If your teeth are stained, crooked, misshapen, gapped, or, if you’re simply not happy with their appearance, Lumineers may be the option for you. Lumineers are veneers directly applied to your teeth in a painless, minimally invasive technique that typically requires no shots, grinding, or drilling, while creating a beautiful, natural smile.

Having a beautiful smile is vital to your overall appearance and self-confidence. But the fact is, nobody has a perfect smile. Most of us need some help to make our smiles look more desirable. When it comes to correcting smile issues, Lumineers are one of the most versatile options around.

Continue reading if you’re curious about Lumineers Veneers, or call ProDental in Columbia, Missouri today at 573-443-1525!

Lumineers vs. Veneers

In the cosmetic dentistry world, there is a bit of confusion regarding veneers and Lumineers. Lumineers are a special type of porcelain veneers, so in reality, you have to understand the difference between all three types of dental veneers.

A veneer is a dental prosthetic that resembles a thin shell, covering some sort of imperfection on the tooth for cosmetic improvement. In a few cases, veneers can also be used to manage sizable gaps between teeth. Unlike composite resin veneers, which are made of an entirely different material altogether, Lumineers are essentially a thinner version of porcelain veneers. If you’re on a budget or if you’re apprehensive about the tooth-shaving required for traditional veneers, Lumineers may be worth considering.

Lumineers can be a great option for remedying minor teeth imperfections. The benefits of Lumineers are similar to the benefits of traditional veneers, with the only big difference being the veneers’ preparation time. They are also translucent to mimic the appearance of your enamel. In most cases, tooth grinding is unnecessary. Following the procedure’s conclusion, you’ll also be able to eat or drink anything you want since the Lumineers are sturdy enough to withstand most consumable things.

Because porcelain veneers are a bit thicker than Lumineers, we will need to remove some of your natural tooth material to “make room” for the veneer. Once that material is removed, it’s gone for good, meaning you’ll always need to have a cover for that tooth. In short, veneers are not reversible. By contrast, we don’t have to remove tooth enamel or anything else to fit the Lumineer to your tooth, so if you change your mind on Lumineers down the road, you can have easily them removed by a dental professional.

If we don’t need to remove anything, you likely will not need any anesthetic during your fitting. With porcelain veneers, the tooth is numbed before removing the tooth material to avoid discomfort and sensitivity. While you wait for your veneer’s fabrication, you’ll need to wear a tooth-colored composite covering to protect your tooth.

How Long Do Lumineers Last?

Don’t confuse the thinness of Lumineers with a lack of durability. In fact, Lumineer material is so strong, you can expect your Lumineers to last as long as 20 years if properly cared for.

Are Lumineers Right for Me?

Lumineers are a popular option for veneers because they require minimal to no preparation. Lumineers do not require prior tooth alteration before placement. The veneers are adhesively bonded to the front surface of the teeth, making the process as minimally invasive as can be.

The Lumineers Two-Visit Process

After our initial consultation, we take several steps to ensure that no stone is left unturned. We start by taking an impression (or mold) of your upper and lower teeth before sending it to a lab along with photos and other records to ensure you achieve optimal results. Unlike traditional veneers, Lumineers do not require drilling, shots, or a set of temporary acrylic veneers.

On your next visit, your dentist will place your Lumineers. However, before they're bonded, your dentist will ensure they are a good fit. After this, your teeth will be covered with a protective coating in preparation for placement. Then they will subsequently be bonded, one by one.

Call ProDental today at 573-443-1525 to book an appointment for Lumineers veneers in Columbia, MO!