Lumineers and Gum Disease

Gum disease is an oral disorder that afflicts millions of people. It compromises the tissues which are responsible for the structural integrity of the teeth. It’s development can be linked to both poor oral hygiene as well as genetic factors. Plaque, which is nothing more than a sticky, yellow-colored residue which is composed primarily of bacteria is what triggers the disorder. Brushing helps prevent excessive plaque build up as do regular dental visits. When the presence of plaque crosses a certain threshold, the bacteria begins to produce acids that eat away at the tooth structure, causing dental caries. Plaque build up around the gum line triggers irritation, causing receding and bleeding in the gum tissues and ultimately gum disease.

With all this in mind, are Lumineers a good fit for someone who has gum disease? The question is best answered on a case-by-case basis. Anyone who is actively receiving treatment for a less severe form of the disorder should be a good fit for Lumineers if all other conditions are favorable. In cases where the disorder has significantly progressed, veneers are not the best choice. The teeth are at risk of giving way at a moment’s notice and you could be out several thousand dollars if they do so.

There is a warning in order for gum disease patients that opt for these restorations. Please research your cosmetic dentist carefully before embarking on treatment! Rookie mistakes can cause tremendous suffering on your part. For instance, a common complaint with Lumineers (muttered by those who sought the services of an inexperienced provider) is that their veneers don’t transition directly into the gum-line. The cosmetic dentist has instead left a gap between the restorations and the gum tissues. Aside from the aesthetic eyesore that this creates, there is also the potential danger of plaque buildup. This oversight creates a hard-to-reach crevice where bacteria can accumulate very quickly, exacerbating any case of gum disease.

You can mitigate this nightmare by limiting your search criteria so that it only includes Lumineers-certified providers. These dentists have attended a training program specially designed by the manufacturer of the Lumineers (which entail a more refined installation procedure than conventional veneers) to ensure satisfactory results. You can find a listing of local dentists that bear this certification via telephone or online by completing a quick form.

When visiting prospective dentists, ask for sample pictures from past cases and try to get a very clear picture of what they offer in terms of price and payment options. Insurance coverage is usually not an option with veneers, after all, and most can’t afford to pay the entire balance out of pocket. So, it’s well worth your time to scope out the available financing packages. This is not to say that cost should be the primary variable to be used in guiding your decision. It is not a very accurate indicator of the outcome to be expected. Even those who pay well above the average price of Lumineers for their smile makeover can face the risk of shoddy work.

Posted by admin | faq | Wednesday 15 October 2008 7:26 pm

Does Insurance Cover Lumineers?

Any procedure involving dental restorations can be an expensive one. Dental veneers, crowns, and implants all qualify as expensive. Obviously, it is to your best interest to see whether or not your provider will cover the cost of Lumineers. Although it is technically considered a cosmetic procedure, there are some situations in which your insurance company may make exceptions.

If your teeth were damaged as a result of an accident, for instance, you may be compensated for part of the expense. Lumineers can help repair tooth chips or any other dental injuries which you may have sustained. Your provider will most likely cover at most 50% of the procedure. A quick phone call should reveal the actual percentage of coverage. This is a disappointment for the many who pay exorbitant insurance premiums, however it still translates to less out of pocket expense. Always take what you can get.

If you had a pre-existing restoration (such as a crown or filling) that failed for no other reason than old age, you may be able to get coverage for your Lumineers. Crowns can actually cost far more than Lumineers, so your insurance company shouldn’t mind picking up a portion of the tab. It will be up to your cosmetic dentist to properly assess the situation and determine which restoration is most suitable. If the tooth structure is susceptible to decay, a dental crown may be the way to go. The results can look just as spectacular with a crown if the veneers are a no-go.

Some doctors may agree to grant you a discount if you are having multiple procedures performed at once. But, prospective patients should understand that price is never a solid basis for selecting a specific dentist. These veneers are far more difficult to craft for natural looking results, especially when no tooth preparation is performed beforehand. Lumineers-certified providers have been specially trained with these extra thin veneers. There are thousands of providers in the United States which are all a phone call away. The official Lumineers site has a search function that allows you to locate cosmetic dentists within your nearby area. The general consensus is that you should avoid going to a general dentist for the procedure. It is already complicated enough for cosmetic dentists by its minimal prep nature.

If you can’t obtain insurance coverage nor discounts, persevere and don’t let your financial limitations deter you. Dental offices often provide flexible payment plans through financing companies like CareCredit, which can cover treatments in excess of $25,000. Well qualified patients can obtain financing for their Lumineers with 0% interest for up to 18 months (according to the CareCredit website). Low-interest plans are available for terms up to 60 months. Many of these companies provide convenient features like instant online approval, which can get you in and out the cosmetic dentist’s office much quicker. Visit your local cosmetic dentist’s office today for information pertaining to the financing company which they use as well as what payment schedules and rates you may qualify for.

Posted by admin | faq | Wednesday 15 October 2008 5:09 pm