Lumineers Cost

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.