Lumineers Cost

The large majority of our modern population tries to avoid going to the dentist at all costs. The primary point of dissuasion is the whir of the drill and (tragically) the accompanying and mind-numbing pain. One traumatic experience is enough to keep you away for decades. Up until more recently, patients wanting to receive dental veneers would have to undergo some extensive enamel removal which obviously entailed drilling. The lure of a beautiful smile was simply not motivation enough for most.

Lumineers were introduced to the market to provide a viable alternative to conventional veneers that eliminated the umpleasantries associated with installation. What allows for this minimal prep technique is the ultra-thin and durable nature of the veneers. They are manufactured of a special Cerinate (R) porcelain that is reinforced with leucite, a mineral that has been used in dentistry (specifically restorations) for its favorable thermal expansion properties. It is used in Lumineers to help enhance the strength and durability of the veneers.

What the enticing commercials don’t tell you is that there are actually three variations of the procedure. Obviously, it would be gullible to think that optimal conditions for the “no-prep” technique can be satisfied every time. This method is truly painless and absolutely no anesthesia is required. Patients who are good candidates for this least-invasive approach also get to leave home without temporaries.

The next preparation technique involves tooth contouring (or re-shaping). Only small amounts of enamel are removed (no more than 5mm) and the patient should be able to endure comfortably without anesthesia. Temporaries may be required with this technique, and some post-operative tooth sensitivity to heat and cold may surface. This should eventually subside.

The final method is identical that used in preparation for conventional veneers. Much more tooth structure removal is required to accommodate the Lumineers. The patient will have to be given local anesthesia to numb the pain. Temporaries are a must in these circumstances to protect against caries. Sensitivity is to be expected in the immediate days and weeks after the procedure.

Even the most invasive of these three techniques should not yield any substantial pain (given that anesthesia is properly administered in adequate doses). You can reduce any tooth sensitivity by taking analgesic medications pending the approval of your doctor. Any continued sensitivity beyond the one week mark may have to be reported to your cosmetic dentist.

The actual installation of the Lumineers should be anything but painful. The teeth will be cleaned, a mock fit will be performed to ensure everything is just right, and the teeth will be cemented in. The dentist will perform some cleanup of excess cement that has reached unwanted areas and will then proceed to cure the bonding mixture. This portion of the process will take thirty minutes to an hour. Those of you that get anxious with drill are should be forewarned that some slight drill use will be involved to aid in the removal of excess bonding agent. This will be painless so there is no need to over react.

The average cost of Lumineers can be well over $1,000 per tooth. Being several thousand dollars lighter, most patients are keen on taking any step(s) necessary to protect their investment. When properly maintained, Lumineers can last for ten or more years. The manufacturer actually stakes the claim that they can last up to 20 years. Now, there is not much information circulating about what patients should do to as far as upkeep is concerned. One common tidbit of advice includes maintaining your oral hygiene. This means regular brushing as well as flossing. This advice warrants some warnings right off the bat. Many toothpastes can actually ruin the Lumineers finish because they are far too abrasive. You need to ask your cosmetic dentist for product recommendations. The damage is sometimes reversible with a polishing session. If you find that you have trouble flossing due to obstructions, you need to let your doctor know. During the procedure, excess cementation is supposed to be thoroughly removed. Any overhanging bonding cement can be irritating in the sense that it feels abnormal, but can also cause aesthetic problems. The bonding agent can stain, making for an eyesore. So if you discover this problem, get it taken care of ASAP!

Regular dental checkups are also a condition of your 5 year Lumineers warranty. If you fail to attend these bi-annual or quarterly (varies from patient-to-patient) appointments, or for some reason fail to have them recorded by your general dentist, you will not be covered in the event of a product malfunction. The warranty does not cover repair of any problems stemming from improper installation.

Most cosmetic dentists don’t advise their patients of any food restrictions. Lumineers are quite durable, but they can fracture with sufficient strain. The problem is further complicated by the fact that cracks cannot be “patched up.” The dentist will have to remove the veneer and replace it with a new one. This can be an immense inconvenience when you factor in the three or so week waiting period for fabrication. As a general rule, avoid hard foods. If you must indulge, slice them into small pieces and distribute chewing power among your molars. This will feel strange at first, but you will become accustomed to it.

Dentists have long asked their patents to abstain from eating sweet foods. Foods with a high sugar content feed colonies of bacteria located on the teeth (as a yellow layer known as plaque). These bacteria convert the sugar into acid, which eats away at the tooth enamel causing caries. Even with Lumineers your teeth are not fully protected against caries. Decay can begin to develop on the inner portion of your teeth. For a person whose teeth are extremely susceptible to decay, a dental crown may be a better option. It surrounds the entire tooth structure.

There is nothing very complicated about keeping your Lumineers in tip-top shape. Follow the advice outlined about and they should remain in pristine condition for years to come. Resist any urges to rapidly chomp down on hard foods with your teeth and keep that sweet tooth in line. The longevity of your Lumineers will increase dramatically with a little self-control.