Lumineers Cost

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.

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.