Lumineers are a special type of dental restoration developed and marketed by Den-Mat, LLC. These veneers are fabricated of a Cerinate (R) porcelain, which has a crystalline component that provides increased durability and thermal expansion. The concentration of this component (Leucite) can be regulated during the manufacture of porcelain restorations through various means, including multiple firings of the porcelain powder. This high concentration of lecuite facilitates the extra-thin fabrication of Lumineers, which at their thinnest measure an astounding .2 mm. In comparison, dental veneers can be as thick as .8 mm. The extent of tooth structure removal required during the procedure is a direct function of the actual bulk of the veneers and some additional factors.

Most dental patients are intrigued by Lumineers because they promise a beautiful smile through non-invasive means. The proposition of no shots or drilling (and as a consequence no longstanding commitment to the veneers) is very appealing to most people. In the United States alone, nearly 80% of the population exhibits some degree of dental fear. In the absence of ideal conditions, however, the “no-prep” technique (as the manufacturer of Lumineers has dubbed the least invasive variant of the procedure), is not possible. For instance, crowding teeth, malrotation, and misalignment may warrant some preparation. The next progression in tooth preparation only requires slight enamel removal (.3mm to .5mm). Fortunately, this too can be performed painlessly without the aid of anesthesia. The most invasive technique is reserved for patients who want a thicker set of Lumineers. Temporaries will need to be worn in these circumstances, where as much as 2mm of tooth enamel may need to be removed. As the lab is fabricating your set of veneers (a process which could take up to three weeks), these temporaries will protect your teeth against decay and diminish any tooth sensitivity.

The results you can achieve using Lumineers can be spectacular, provided you have them outfitted by a dentist who is experienced and comfortable with the procedure. These veneers are much more difficult to master due to the restrictive nature of the procedure as far as enamel removal is concerned. This goes to explain the extreme opinions circulating online and elsewhere about the product. Some are extremely happy with the results, while others incredibly frustrated. It’s not terribly difficult to distinguish which group spent the most time searching for a dentist.

The most prevalent complaints about Lumineers center around the veneers becoming dislodged, having an overly unnatural appearance, or becoming stained. These all reinforce the importance of choosing your provider carefully. Lumineers that pry off unexpectedly and for no apparent reason are usually the result of insufficient tooth preparation. A bulky smile is again indicative of a dentist who has not mastered complexities involved in the procedure. Finally, stains manifest when installation is poorly executed, allowing for excess bonding agent to remain on the edges of the teeth. This cement can absorb stains, making for an unsightly looking smile.

The official Lumineers website hosts a form that you can complete to receive information about Lumineers-certified dentists in your area. Alternatively, you can call the listed phone number. These cosmetic dentists have received formal instruction in the procedure and are solid bets.

As far as cost is concerned, expect to pay upwards of $1,000 per tooth. There will be some fluctuations according to where you reside, but the costs generally falls between several hundred dollars and $1,000. Insurance companies cover Lumineers on an infrequent basis. If you sustained an injury from an accident, you may qualify for coverage. In addition, Lumineers may be used in place of other restorations, like crowns, in certain circumstances. Talk to your dental insurance provider for details. Lumineers, like other cosmetic dentistry procedures, can be financed through your dentist’s office. The specific terms can vary.

The product comes with a five year limited warranty that requires patients to attend regular checkups and cleanings. It only protects against product defects. Your dentist will have to install the veneers per the recommended guidelines and using the specified products in order for your warranty to remain valid.

The only way to find out how good of a candidate your are for Lumineers is to schedule an appointment with a certified cosmetic dentist. Your oral health will be assessed and your dentist will present you with potential courses of treatment. So, if you’ve been contemplating a dental makeover, there is no better time to act than today.

Those considering outfitting their smile with Lumineers often find themselves wondering what exact figure constitutes the Lumineers cost per tooth. Although we could spout a figure and send you on your way, it’s important to get a feel for this procedure to actually see why it costs as much as it does. There are several factors which determine the Lumineers cost per tooth, and we will be exploring some of these variables below. If you would like a more in-depth explanation of the procedure, you should best consult your dentist.

One of the major factors that determines Lumineers cost per tooth is tooth preparation. Unlike with similar procedures, very minimal enamel removal is required for Lumineers. This has both its advantages and disadvantages. For one, patients feel a bit more comfortable knowing that their dentist won’t be drilling away at their teeth for extended periods of time. However, there are also some drawbacks, one of them being that the bond which the porcelain sheets make with the teeth is much weaker. This can cause the Lumineers to fall off, which means another trip to the dentist and so forth. Further, the small amount of prep work can leave the patient vulnerable to tooth decay, since a crevice can be formed between the teeth and gums where bacteria can accumulate. While the developers of this product often claim that no drilling is needed, this is not the case. And to once again reiterate, a small amount of drilling is not a win-win on all fronts. The reduced amount of prep work on the teeth acts to somewhat reduce the Lumineers cost per tooth, however, not by as much as some would like.

Another thing to consider when looking at Lumineers cost per tooth is the nature of the porcelain sheets themselves. Since they are of a relatively thin nature (as to accommodate less preparation work), a reduced amount of porcelain is needed in creating the actual mock teeth. This once again translates into a reduced Lumineers cost per tooth.

Although Lumineers require less of an investment in some areas, they still call for basic preparatory stages that can add up in cost. For instance, a mold needs to be taken of the patient’s teeth and sent to a lab before anything is outfitted on his/her teeth. This process in itself is costly. These expenditures play a substantial role in the molding the Lumineers cost per tooth.

Most practices charge anywhere from $700 to $1,500 a tooth for Lumineers. This is substantially lower than the prices charged per tooth for similar procedures. Factors that can determine where within this price range your procedure will fall include the location of your dentist’s practice as well as his/her experience and talent in performing this procedure. Not all dentists offer this service at their practice. As such, prior research needs to be conducted either offline and online to pinpoint the nearest provider. Remember not to stick with a dentist simply because he or she is offering the lowest Lumineers cost per tooth. This may result in an overall unpleasant experience. Consider all the variables and you will face few problems.