Lumineers Cost

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!