Lumineers Cost

Bruxism (tooth grinding), although a condition associated with the teeth, is categorized as a sleeping disorder (for it primarily occurs during intervals of rest). Patients who suffer from tooth grinding can experience an array of symptoms. Headaches, jaw pain, and occlusual wear are all potential symptoms depending on the severity of the disorder. In the large number of cases, bruxism is not particularly detrimental to the teeth. Many patents with a more destructive variant may be provided mouthguards by their dentist to protect their teeth against nocturnal grinding. The aesthetic side effect of tooth grinding can be profound. The teeth take on a very angular appearance following extended periods of little to no treatment. If sufficient tooth enamel is removed, the teeth also become extremely susceptible to decay, posing an additional health risk. While dental crowns are usually preferred in treating the fallout from this condition, more and more patients are exploring alternative avenues, among them Lumineers.

Lumineers are thin shells of Cerinate (R) porcelain which are affixed to the teeth to remedy misalignment, gaps, discoloration, and a number of other defects. Unlike crowns, they do not encase the entire tooth structure and are not structurally supported by anything beyond the tooth. Crowns, on the other hand, can be fused with metal to further increase durability. This is a major concern as the intense clenching prevalent in some cases of bruxism can place immense strain on the Lumineers, causing them to fracture. There is no easy way to repair this beyond completely replacing the veneer. Porcelain, although a very durable material, will also not withstand the constant grinding effect, again eventually cracking. Now, as far as clenching is concerned, there are very few ways to control the behavior in order to feel safe about going ahead with Lumineers. Botox has shown to be a potential solution, impeding the muscles that are actually responsible for the clenching. The ill-effects of the grinding itself can be mitigated by wearing a mouthguard every night. These are custom-made by your dentist for the modest price of a few hundred dollars. The guard will have to be replaced regularly as it will eventually dilapidate.

Don’t make the mistake of ignoring the maintenance costs associated with choosing Lumineers over crowns. Crowns are initially the more expensive option but they will definitely outlast veneers, especially when bruxism is part of the equation. You will still need to wear the mouthguard with crowns as their outer structure is susceptible to fracturing. As in the case with veneers, this requires complete replacement of the restoration which should be added incentive to commit extra diligently to the mouthguard. Remember that you get extra protection from crowns against cavities, so that’s also something to factor in. The good news in all of this is that your insurance may have to cover some of the costs. Getting crowns in such circumstances is obviously not cosmetic, and there are no cheaper alternatives available to you to prevent your teeth from sustaining any further damage. You will have to talk to your insurance company for further details.

It can be difficult trying to decipher the key differences between Lumineers and conventional dental veneers. Most people should already be familiar with the primary selling point of the former, which is a “no-prep” and pain-free technique. However, beyond this how exactly do the two differ? While Lumineers are usually the cheaper choice, they can still be a hefty investment so every last detail counts.

Now, the first thing that needs to be cleared up is the no preparation nonsense. The manufacturer makes it clear that most patients quality for this technique, but some do not. The less curvature your teeth have and the more favorable emergence profile (the angle at which your teeth protrude outwards from your gums), the better candidate you are for this variation of this procedure. Some other factors come into play as well, such as tooth rotation and spacing issues. In some instances, enamel removal can be as drastic as that executed in preparation for traditional veneers. So, until you have a consultation with a Lumineers-certified provider, do not assume this is the better choice because of less tooth structure modification.

Even if you happen to be a suitable candidate for the pain-free method, know that the end outcome may not be as aesthetically refined as you had wished. Structure removal provides the dentist more flexibility in creating a natural looking smile. It is all to often that patients complain of bulky and artificial looking results. While Lumineers are much thinner than veneers, do not underestimate the amount of thickness they can add contributing to that undesired appearance. You need to be extra willing to search for an cosmetic dentist experienced in installing these veneers to get perfect results with minimal preparation.

The issue of durability is a concern, especially since Lumineers are marketed as being
“contact-lens” thin. The Cerinate porcelain which they are crafted of has a high transverse strength. The manufacturing process that underlies this type of porcelain is proprietary to Den-Mat, LLC, which claims that the material is easily capable of lasting 20 years according to clinical tests. The Lumineers themselves come covered with a 5-year limited warranty through the company, which protects against product defects as well as installation mistakes.

The cost of Lumineers vs. dental veneers can be tie-breaker. Lumineers generally cost a little over $1,000, while veneers can go into the $2,000 range. Much of this depends on where your intend to get the procedures done. For instance, you may find cheaper prices in the Northwestern United States than you would in say, California. This isn’t a ticket to go bargain hunting, however. Cost should come secondary to the cosmetic dentist’s experience. Going overseas for these procedures may not be the best of idea either. If the cosmetic dentist botches the treatment, there would be little you could do beyond flying back and handling the dispute locally, which could cost time and money. Your time would be better spent researching experienced yet affordable dentists in your area via the internet.