Sensitive Teeth and Lumineers

Most of us have at one time or another suffered from tooth sensitivity. It can severely interfere with otherwise enjoyable activities like eating and consuming beverages. Sensitivity can be triggered by tooth decay, aggressive brushing, recent dental work, and a number of other things. There are specialty products available that help combat sensitivity-related symptoms including toothpastes. Now, people who suffer from prolonged sensitivity are in an especially difficult position when considering dental work, especially anything that is of a restorative nature. Dental crowns, for instance, often require enamel removal, which can cause an exponential increase in sensitivity. The same goes for dental veneers. Enamel is removed to make way for their thickness, to improve bonding, and to create a natural appearance. With these two ruled out, where are patients with tooth sensitivity to turn? Lumineers are a potential solution.

Lumineers took the cosmetic dentistry industry by storm with their no-prep approach, which was accommodated by their extremely thin nature. Remarkably, they proved just as durable and aesthetically enhancing as their conventional counterpart. These veneers are the most viable alternative to other restorations (from the perspective of someone who suffers from tooth sensitivity) because they hold the promise of no enamel removal. Notice the word “promise.” While heavily marketed as a prep-free product, some cases simply don’t allow for removal of some existing tooth structure. For instance, teeth with abnormal rotations may need to be shaved to accommodate the veneers. There are three different variations of the procedure which are identical aside from the preparation technique. The first one entails no structure removal, while the other two call for varying amounts of reduction. Even when removal is conducted, it is often much less than one could expect with veneers. This ultimately translates to less sensitivity.

You should communicate your thoughts concerning tooth sensitivity to your cosmetic dentist to plan the best course of treatment. He or she may suggest tooth bonding, also referred to as composite veneers. Unlike Lumineeers, these can be outfitted within the dentist’s office in as little a single appointment. No lab work is required. The best part is that they require no preparatory grinding, rather some slight etching. Composite veneers are often used to remedy small gaps and tooth chips. There are some drawbacks to approaching treatment from this angle. These will require more frequent replacement and don’t have the benefit of being stain resistant. However, with a healthy diet and good oral care regimen, this shouldn’t be a concern. They are, however much more affordable, sometimes by a thousand dollars or more. Rates will vary from location to location.

Schedule an appointment with a local Lumineers-certified provider today to get the smile you always wanted without having to worry about your tooth sensitivity problem. If the consultation reveals that your circumstances don’t warrant extensive modification of the tooth structure, you may want to pursue the procedure. Otherwise, there are other viable routes to consider. If there is anything to remember, it’s to approach the process slowly and attentively to obtain exceptional results.

Posted by admin | faq | Saturday 8 March 2008 6:34 am

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