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

Lumineers Over Existing Restorations?

In many situations, dental work can become extremely costly, especially when anything of a cosmetic nature is involved. After all, in this realm of dentistry insurance coverage is non-existent. It comes as a shock to many that restorations like dental crowns can easily exceed the $2,000 mark on a per tooth basis. This is a serious investment by all standards. So, what is one to do when their restoration fails prematurely? We could agree that buying new is not the most lucrative way out. In some scenarios you have the luxury of an alternative option.

Lumineers are thin dental veneers that made their debut in the dental industry not too long ago. The product was designed to appeal to a dental-phobic demographic. Lumineers were the first dental product of their kind to eliminate extensive, irreversible, and painful preparatory work. These veneers won over cosmetic dentists and patients alike who were impressed by their non-invasive approach yet spectacular end results. The makers of these veneers took yet another unique marketing angle by claiming that they could be bonded atop crowns and other restorations. This was obviously welcomed news to patients who were contemplating what to do with one more dilapidated crowns. Porcelain crowns, like veneers, can chip can crack over time. They require full replacement when this happens.

While this obviously sounds like the most lucrative avenue when compared to the alternatives, there are some things to consider. Some patients who have been outfitted with Lumineers in the traditional sense have complained of dislodgements. This in conditions where bond strength should be optimal, as the Lumineers are designed to be (directly) bonded to tooth enamel. The likelihood of this occurring is tremendous when the veneers are affixed to a porcelain surface. Even when properly etched, the results will be anything but long-lasting. So if you think you might be saving money with this approach, think again.

There is also the issue of aesthetics. When these veneers are bonded to the teeth, the dentist can drill away at some tooth structure to accommodate the increased thickness. This is not a possibility when crowns are part of the equation. Ultimately, the end result may be a bit more artificial looking than you would have liked. If your crowns were unnatural in appearance to begin with and they need replacing, you might opt to invest in all-porcelain crowns which look much more realistic.

Your cosmetic dentist should be able to accommodate your financial limitations, so looking for a cheaper alternative may not be necessary. Most providers work with lenders like CareOne, which can help divide the expense into convenient monthly payments. You will have to ask your dentist for further details. In the overall scheme of things, having your crowns replaced will be a bigger expense upfront, but they will outlast any solution your cosmetic dentist can devise using a combination of your existing restorations and Lumineers. You don’t want to allow your crown to wither away to the point that the internal tooth structure is threatened, so quick action is warranted. Good luck!

Posted by admin | faq | Friday 8 August 2008 6:08 pm