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

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