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.

Lumineers are designed to be painlessly affixed to permanent teeth for a beautiful smile. However, not all adults have actually lost their baby teeth, brining up an assortment of issues. Obviously, it’s not the most appealing choice to go about your life with an aesthetically lacking smile. A seemingly lucrative solution is cosmetic dentistry. It doesn’t entail years worth of treatment like orthodontics, but it can cost a fortune. But how effective are Lumineers, or even conventional veneers for that matter, in masking tooth development problems? As some would say, YMMW (your mileage may vary).

The structural makeup of the deciduous (baby) teeth somewhat differs from that of permanent teeth. Dental veneers are designed to form a bond with tooth enamel. The problem is that this protective covering is much more scarce on the baby teeth. This not only jeopardizes bonding strength, but also leaves the teeth more prone to decay. If the Lumineers are installed incorrectly, decay can spread very quickly ravaging the entire tooth structure. There is also the issue of very limited surface area for the cosmetic dentist to work with. Dental veneers require ample support from the existing tooth, so this presents a problem.

If despite these obstacles your dentist decides to outfit your teeth with Lumineers, there are some potential risks and disadvantages you should be aware of. First off, if the tooth decides to give way for whatever reason, you’re warranty won’t be honored. This means you will be out $1,000 with little to show for it. If the tooth manages to remain intact, you may be in and out of the dentists office much more than you would like. Dislodgement of the Lumineers is always a possibility, as are fractures as a result of the reduced support structure. The financial aspect to such treatment should also be considered. Insurance companies consider such alterations as purely cosmetic, that is unless existing decay was discovered on the tooth in which case they may agree to cover part of the cost of the procedure.

There are better alternatives available under cosmetic dentistry that will save you the headache of maintenance with Lumineers, including dental implants. Your dentist will have to extract your baby teeth in preparation for these implants. Some pre-operative orthodontic work might also be in order to create ample room for the restorations. The entire process can take several months, especially after factoring in the time it takes for the implant to properly fuse with the jaw bone. These restorations have a much higher life longevity than dental veneers and can have as much of an aesthetic appeal. The price can be significantly higher for these prosthetic teeth, reaching in excess of $3,000 per tooth. It is unlikely that your dental insurance will cover any of the costs associated with the procedure. You can offset much of the incurred cost by obtaining financing through your cosmetic dentist’s office. The interest rate and repayment schedule can fluctuate according to your credit history and the specific lender involved.