Lumineers Cost

Those considering outfitting their smile with Lumineers often find themselves wondering what exact figure constitutes the Lumineers cost per tooth. Although we could spout a figure and send you on your way, it’s important to get a feel for this procedure to actually see why it costs as much as it does. There are several factors which determine the Lumineers cost per tooth, and we will be exploring some of these variables below. If you would like a more in-depth explanation of the procedure, you should best consult your dentist.

One of the major factors that determines Lumineers cost per tooth is tooth preparation. Unlike with similar procedures, very minimal enamel removal is required for Lumineers. This has both its advantages and disadvantages. For one, patients feel a bit more comfortable knowing that their dentist won’t be drilling away at their teeth for extended periods of time. However, there are also some drawbacks, one of them being that the bond which the porcelain sheets make with the teeth is much weaker. This can cause the Lumineers to fall off, which means another trip to the dentist and so forth. Further, the small amount of prep work can leave the patient vulnerable to tooth decay, since a crevice can be formed between the teeth and gums where bacteria can accumulate. While the developers of this product often claim that no drilling is needed, this is not the case. And to once again reiterate, a small amount of drilling is not a win-win on all fronts. The reduced amount of prep work on the teeth acts to somewhat reduce the Lumineers cost per tooth, however, not by as much as some would like.

Another thing to consider when looking at Lumineers cost per tooth is the nature of the porcelain sheets themselves. Since they are of a relatively thin nature (as to accommodate less preparation work), a reduced amount of porcelain is needed in creating the actual mock teeth. This once again translates into a reduced Lumineers cost per tooth.

Although Lumineers require less of an investment in some areas, they still call for basic preparatory stages that can add up in cost. For instance, a mold needs to be taken of the patient’s teeth and sent to a lab before anything is outfitted on his/her teeth. This process in itself is costly. These expenditures play a substantial role in the molding the Lumineers cost per tooth.

Most practices charge anywhere from $700 to $1,500 a tooth for Lumineers. This is substantially lower than the prices charged per tooth for similar procedures. Factors that can determine where within this price range your procedure will fall include the location of your dentist’s practice as well as his/her experience and talent in performing this procedure. Not all dentists offer this service at their practice. As such, prior research needs to be conducted either offline and online to pinpoint the nearest provider. Remember not to stick with a dentist simply because he or she is offering the lowest Lumineers cost per tooth. This may result in an overall unpleasant experience. Consider all the variables and you will face few problems.

The large majority of our modern population tries to avoid going to the dentist at all costs. The primary point of dissuasion is the whir of the drill and (tragically) the accompanying and mind-numbing pain. One traumatic experience is enough to keep you away for decades. Up until more recently, patients wanting to receive dental veneers would have to undergo some extensive enamel removal which obviously entailed drilling. The lure of a beautiful smile was simply not motivation enough for most.

Lumineers were introduced to the market to provide a viable alternative to conventional veneers that eliminated the umpleasantries associated with installation. What allows for this minimal prep technique is the ultra-thin and durable nature of the veneers. They are manufactured of a special Cerinate (R) porcelain that is reinforced with leucite, a mineral that has been used in dentistry (specifically restorations) for its favorable thermal expansion properties. It is used in Lumineers to help enhance the strength and durability of the veneers.

What the enticing commercials don’t tell you is that there are actually three variations of the procedure. Obviously, it would be gullible to think that optimal conditions for the “no-prep” technique can be satisfied every time. This method is truly painless and absolutely no anesthesia is required. Patients who are good candidates for this least-invasive approach also get to leave home without temporaries.

The next preparation technique involves tooth contouring (or re-shaping). Only small amounts of enamel are removed (no more than 5mm) and the patient should be able to endure comfortably without anesthesia. Temporaries may be required with this technique, and some post-operative tooth sensitivity to heat and cold may surface. This should eventually subside.

The final method is identical that used in preparation for conventional veneers. Much more tooth structure removal is required to accommodate the Lumineers. The patient will have to be given local anesthesia to numb the pain. Temporaries are a must in these circumstances to protect against caries. Sensitivity is to be expected in the immediate days and weeks after the procedure.

Even the most invasive of these three techniques should not yield any substantial pain (given that anesthesia is properly administered in adequate doses). You can reduce any tooth sensitivity by taking analgesic medications pending the approval of your doctor. Any continued sensitivity beyond the one week mark may have to be reported to your cosmetic dentist.

The actual installation of the Lumineers should be anything but painful. The teeth will be cleaned, a mock fit will be performed to ensure everything is just right, and the teeth will be cemented in. The dentist will perform some cleanup of excess cement that has reached unwanted areas and will then proceed to cure the bonding mixture. This portion of the process will take thirty minutes to an hour. Those of you that get anxious with drill are should be forewarned that some slight drill use will be involved to aid in the removal of excess bonding agent. This will be painless so there is no need to over react.