Lumineers and Dental Cleanings

We should all (hopefully) be accustomed to visiting our dentist every six months to a year for a checkup and cleaning. If any dental decay is detected during the checkup process, it is usually repaired promptly to avoid any further damage (which can lead to root canals and other equally unpleasant procedures). If our fillings show signs of dislodgement or leaks, they are replaced. If the checkup reveals no abnormalities, our teeth are simply cleaned of plaque that can trigger caries and create an overall unsightly tooth shade.

Patients who are outfitted with Lumineers often wonder whether routine dental visits are still required. Yes, they are still i necessary for many of the reasons mentioned above. Those teeth not affected by the Lumineers procedure can still decay and be subject to other irregularities. The veneers themselves are resistant to staining and decay, but the underlying tooth structure is not. If it somehow becomes compromised, the veneers could give way translating to more out of pocket expense for you.

If your Lumineers were installed incorrectly, you could face a high susceptibility to decay. Cosmetic dentists poorly trained in installing veneers sometimes fail to install them so that they are flush with the gum line. The crevice that this oversight yields can create a nice hiding place for bacteria. If your general dentist catches this soon enough, a number of problems can be abated. You will have to take this mistake up with your cosmetic dentist.

Another important thing to remember is that you could potentially void your warranty if you fail to attend routine cleanings. Your cosmetic dentist should have provided you this information and the necessary paperwork following your procedure. Lumineers come standard with a 5-year limited warranty from their manufacturer, Den-Mat Holdings, LLC. Installation errors are covered by this warranty, but patient negligence is not. So, if your veneers fracture or simply fall off within the first 5 years (which should be unlikely if they were installed properly) expect to cover the full expense if you skipped every last dental visit.

In-between cleaning appointments, you should be caring for your teeth as usual. That means brushing and flossing every day. You should be able to easily floss between your Lumineers. Extra cementation should have been removed in the final stages of the installation. The interproximal areas are also usually protected with a dental dam to prevent seepage. If you find obstructions, report them to you cosmetic dentist and have him/her correct them. There is no special routine you have to follow. Although negligence in this area may prove harder to track, you owe it to yourself to protect your investment. On the subject of protecting your investment, we all know the horror stories associated with drinking too much soda and eating too many sweets. You don’t have to adhere to a special diet with veneers, but sticking to healthy foods will surely extend their life longevity. There are so many factors that come into play in respect to longevity, but every added effort on your part helps.

Posted by admin | faq | Monday 26 January 2009 10:14 am

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
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