Lumineers Cost

The question of whether Lumineers are preferred over braces and vice-versa surfaces quite often. It’s not very easy to answer without knowing the specifics of a particular case. Lumineers have the lure of instant results without pain, but such outcomes are not always possible. Sometimes the existing tooth structure requires extensive modification before these veneers can be properly installed. The concern with braces almost always revolves around the length of treatment and post-treatment inconvenience. A majority of patients have to wear braces for a year or more, and thereafter are forced to wear retainers to keep the teeth from reassuming their original position. You and your dentist can come to a solid decision by examining a few key questions.

How long am I willing to wait?

Time is sometimes a factor with dental treatments. Various careers require different levels of public interface and frankly not everyone feels comfortable sporting braces in these types of conditions. If time is a factor in your situation, than by all means get Lumineers. The treatment can be completed in a matter of weeks, largely depending on how fast the lab is able to process your veneers (which usually takes about 3 weeks). With Lumineers, you bypass the inconvenience of having to wear temporaries and can go about your life normally right after you have them outfitted on your teeth.

Will I be able to maintain my Lumineers?

Any type of veneer will eventually require maintenance. Once your braces come off, this is not so much of an issue. You just need to remember to continue wearing your retainers. Cracked or fractured veneers don’t just translate to lost time, but also more money out of your pocket. Unless your Lumineers are still under warranty (which lasts 5 years from the date of purchase if certain conditions are met), you can expect to pay the same amount (or more) for you new set.

How much am I willing to invest?

There can be an immense gap between how much veneers will cost you vs. braces depending on how many teeth you are hoping to get done. Lumineers typically cost $1,000 and over per tooth. Braces on the other hand can cost anywhere from $2,000 – $7,000 for most cases. With the veneers, you obviously have to factor in the cost of maintenance. Their life longevity can vary, but failure within the first ten years is common. Either procedure can be financed if needed.

It’s very important to talk to a Lumineers-certified cosmetic dentist if you are seriously considering this procedure. General dentists are usually not recommended for this treatment (which is usually true for traditional veneers as well). You don’t want to have your sights set on it to find that the no-prep technique is unsuitable for your teeth or that you will require orthodontic work prior to being outfitted with the veneers. Additionally, try not to be swayed into taking either route without a proper examination. A dentist will need to thoroughly examine your teeth before making distinctions, so unless you’re teeth have been checked out don’t readily accept any advice.

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.