Lumineers and Dental Cleanings

We should all (hopefully) be accustomed to visiting our dentist every six months to a year for a checkup and cleaning. If any dental decay is detected during the checkup process, it is usually repaired promptly to avoid any further damage (which can lead to root canals and other equally unpleasant procedures). If our fillings show signs of dislodgement or leaks, they are replaced. If the checkup reveals no abnormalities, our teeth are simply cleaned of plaque that can trigger caries and create an overall unsightly tooth shade.

Patients who are outfitted with Lumineers often wonder whether routine dental visits are still required. Yes, they are still i necessary for many of the reasons mentioned above. Those teeth not affected by the Lumineers procedure can still decay and be subject to other irregularities. The veneers themselves are resistant to staining and decay, but the underlying tooth structure is not. If it somehow becomes compromised, the veneers could give way translating to more out of pocket expense for you.

If your Lumineers were installed incorrectly, you could face a high susceptibility to decay. Cosmetic dentists poorly trained in installing veneers sometimes fail to install them so that they are flush with the gum line. The crevice that this oversight yields can create a nice hiding place for bacteria. If your general dentist catches this soon enough, a number of problems can be abated. You will have to take this mistake up with your cosmetic dentist.

Another important thing to remember is that you could potentially void your warranty if you fail to attend routine cleanings. Your cosmetic dentist should have provided you this information and the necessary paperwork following your procedure. Lumineers come standard with a 5-year limited warranty from their manufacturer, Den-Mat Holdings, LLC. Installation errors are covered by this warranty, but patient negligence is not. So, if your veneers fracture or simply fall off within the first 5 years (which should be unlikely if they were installed properly) expect to cover the full expense if you skipped every last dental visit.

In-between cleaning appointments, you should be caring for your teeth as usual. That means brushing and flossing every day. You should be able to easily floss between your Lumineers. Extra cementation should have been removed in the final stages of the installation. The interproximal areas are also usually protected with a dental dam to prevent seepage. If you find obstructions, report them to you cosmetic dentist and have him/her correct them. There is no special routine you have to follow. Although negligence in this area may prove harder to track, you owe it to yourself to protect your investment. On the subject of protecting your investment, we all know the horror stories associated with drinking too much soda and eating too many sweets. You don’t have to adhere to a special diet with veneers, but sticking to healthy foods will surely extend their life longevity. There are so many factors that come into play in respect to longevity, but every added effort on your part helps.

Posted by admin | faq | Monday 26 January 2009 10:14 am

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