Lumineers Cost

Getting a smile makeover can be a time-intensive process. With most cosmetic dentistry procedures, dental restorations need to be ordered from a laboratory which can in turn drastically lengthen the treatment time. Lumineers are no exception. Cosmetic dentists certified to outfit patients with these veneers must submit patient molds to the manufacturer’s laboratory. Within about three weeks, the Lumineers return and are ready to be installed.

While all of this is going on, the patient may be outfitted with temporaries. These are faux veneers designed to protect any vulnerable tooth structure. They are also commonly used as a placeholder for crowns that have yet to return from the dental lab. Although the primary selling point behind Lumineers is a non-invasive installation, at times tooth reduction is necessary. This can be for a number of reasons. Sometimes the existing tooth structure needs to be reduced to avoid a “bulky” or “chicklet-like” tooth appearance. Although these veneers are contact lens thin, they can still look unnatural when installed improperly. Enamel removal also allows for increased bonding strength.

The temporaries will not always resemble your final set of veneers. Some dentists choose to give their patients a trial-run of sorts by mimicking the look of the Lumineers as closely as possible.

When the Lumineers finally come back from the lab, the cosmetic dentist will remove the temporaries and perform a “test-fit.” This will ensure that there are no irregularities prior to permanent cementing. Once the test-fit is over, the teeth are cleaned and a cement is applied to the Lumineers. They are positioned on the teeth and partially cured. Excess cement is removed and other adjustments are made before the curing process is finished. This entire phase should take at least an hour.

All in all, the entire process will take about a month (depending on appointment availability). Any cosmetic dentist promising results in a smaller frame of time is bound to cut corners. While this procedure can be performed by any dentist (general included) patients are always encouraged to visit a Lumineers-certified dentist. These doctors have received special instruction from the manufacturer of the veneers to ensure optimal results. Room for error is greatly diminished with these veneers especially in “no-prep” situations. Dentists who have not had sufficient experience with this product can easily create an artificial look.

If for some reason your veneers develop a fracture or somehow fall of (which is often the result of improper installation) it should take a similar amount of time to be outfitted with a replacement. Such events should be reported to your doctor immediately to prevent any dental decay from forming, especially in cases where enamel removal was involved. These types of defects will be covered by the 5-year limited warranty which comes standard with the product, provided that you have met certain conditions (including attending bi-annual dental checkups/cleanings). So out-of-pocket expense should not be a cause for concern. If you feel the doctor’s incompetence may have contributed to the defect, you may be able to redeem your warranty at another participating provider.

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.