Lumineers with Existing Orthodontic Problems?

The thought of a smile makeover often leads people to forget that Lumineers aren’t a universal fix. Sure, they can handle most cases of tooth misalignment or gaps, but in some instances they require additional help. This is where orthodontic work comes into the mix. You probably elected to get Lumineers to avoid the hassle with braces in the first place. However, you may have overlapping teeth or abnormal occlusion that might require some pre-operative treatment. These can place undue stress on the Lumineers, causing them to fracture and eventually fail prematurely. In some situations, you can bypass the orthodontia and instead have some extra tooth structure removed.

Only your cosmetic dentist can tell whether or not the circumstances warrant a unique treatment plan. If an improper assessment is made, and you are outfitted with Lumineers despite potential issues, you may not qualify for the 5-year limited warranty. It is explicitly stated that errors made on behalf of the dentist constitute zero coverage. This is one of the reasons why prospective patients are heartily encouraged to visit a certified practitioner who has been trained to install these veneers. Those who bash this product are often the “victims” of non-certified providers.

You don’t need to sacrifice aesthetics until you are eligible to be outfitted with Lumineers. Advancements in the orthodontic field have allowed for invisible braces that straighten your teeth discretely. These are a good fit for those with more mild problems; conventional braces will be required in some circumstances. Be aware, however, that you will have to commit to retainers once treatment is completed. This will keep your teeth from shifting back to their original position. Your retainers will have to be adjust for the Lumineers once you get them on.

If you have to pursue the orthodontic route as is, it might be worth considering completing ruling out Lumineers (if possible). When you tally all the costs associated with Lumineers and conventional veneers (including the initial price and maintenance work every ten or so years), you will see they far surpass those associated with braces. There’s also the issue of actually addressing the problem as opposed to masking it. Sometimes, this is obviously not the practical approach. Most adults dismiss the idea of wearing braces as its quite uncommon in the older age group (although growing in prevalence). Kids and teens, however, makes perfect candidates for orthodontia. They are much more at ease with the idea because many of their classmates wear or have worn braces.

If Lumineers are the most appealing solution to your problem, be sure to schedule a consultation with a certified provider. The margin for error in installing these veneers is far more contracted due to the non-invasive nature of the procedure. Botched installations can result in monthly visits to the cosmetic dentist’s office to reattach fallen veneers, or possibly worse a chicklet smile. Don’t be stingy or far too gracious in the financial department when hunting for a dentist either. See if you can sample some of the doctor’s past work to get an idea of whether he or she is right for you.

Posted by admin | Uncategorized | Sunday 15 June 2008 2:13 pm

Lumineers for Baby Teeth

Lumineers are designed to be painlessly affixed to permanent teeth for a beautiful smile. However, not all adults have actually lost their baby teeth, brining up an assortment of issues. Obviously, it’s not the most appealing choice to go about your life with an aesthetically lacking smile. A seemingly lucrative solution is cosmetic dentistry. It doesn’t entail years worth of treatment like orthodontics, but it can cost a fortune. But how effective are Lumineers, or even conventional veneers for that matter, in masking tooth development problems? As some would say, YMMW (your mileage may vary).

The structural makeup of the deciduous (baby) teeth somewhat differs from that of permanent teeth. Dental veneers are designed to form a bond with tooth enamel. The problem is that this protective covering is much more scarce on the baby teeth. This not only jeopardizes bonding strength, but also leaves the teeth more prone to decay. If the Lumineers are installed incorrectly, decay can spread very quickly ravaging the entire tooth structure. There is also the issue of very limited surface area for the cosmetic dentist to work with. Dental veneers require ample support from the existing tooth, so this presents a problem.

If despite these obstacles your dentist decides to outfit your teeth with Lumineers, there are some potential risks and disadvantages you should be aware of. First off, if the tooth decides to give way for whatever reason, you’re warranty won’t be honored. This means you will be out $1,000 with little to show for it. If the tooth manages to remain intact, you may be in and out of the dentists office much more than you would like. Dislodgement of the Lumineers is always a possibility, as are fractures as a result of the reduced support structure. The financial aspect to such treatment should also be considered. Insurance companies consider such alterations as purely cosmetic, that is unless existing decay was discovered on the tooth in which case they may agree to cover part of the cost of the procedure.

There are better alternatives available under cosmetic dentistry that will save you the headache of maintenance with Lumineers, including dental implants. Your dentist will have to extract your baby teeth in preparation for these implants. Some pre-operative orthodontic work might also be in order to create ample room for the restorations. The entire process can take several months, especially after factoring in the time it takes for the implant to properly fuse with the jaw bone. These restorations have a much higher life longevity than dental veneers and can have as much of an aesthetic appeal. The price can be significantly higher for these prosthetic teeth, reaching in excess of $3,000 per tooth. It is unlikely that your dental insurance will cover any of the costs associated with the procedure. You can offset much of the incurred cost by obtaining financing through your cosmetic dentist’s office. The interest rate and repayment schedule can fluctuate according to your credit history and the specific lender involved.

Posted by admin | faq | Wednesday 4 June 2008 7:24 pm