Lumineers Cost

We’ve all heard the horror stories of patients getting their teeth grinded down to small nubs in preparation for dental veneers. This has deterred many from even considering veneers as a viable solution to their dental problems. Lumineers are a much more recent and innovative variation of veneers that can eliminate the need for tooth reduction and subsequently painful drilling. These veneers are much thinner than their conventional counterparts, allowing them to better accommodate the thickness of existing tooth structure. Now, we often correlate thickness with durability. Fortunately, Lumineers are constructed of Cerinate(R) porcelain which has a higher strength than comparable materials. Like conventional veneers, they come in a variety of shades to ensure they blend nicely with your existing teeth.

Depending on the particular technique used for tooth preparation, your teeth will more less remain intact after the Lumineers procedure. The first variation of the treatment involves no removal of tooth structure. This “no-prep” technique is best for patients with minimal tooth curvature and an optimal emergence profile. Since none of the tooth structure is harmed, the patient can have the veneers removed later down the road and enjoy his/her existing smile.

There are some downsides to this technique, one of them being a weaker bond between the tooth and veneer. One of the more common problems often reported with Lumineers actually happens to be of the product simply falling off. This is obviously an unpleasantry to experience, especially when you’ve invested several thousand dollars into your smile makeover. With structure removal taken out of the equation, there is also the issue of the added thickness created by the Lumineer. This could create for an overall un-natural look. This can be mitigated by visiting an experienced cosmetic dentist who can identify when some structure removal is necessary. There are thousands of Lumineers-certified dentists nationwide.

The other two variations of the treatment entail varying degrees of tooth structure removal (.3mm-to .5mm and .8mm to 2mm, respectively). Depending on the level of removal, the patient will have to keep the affected teeth protected with veneers or crowns as long as they have their teeth. Failure to do so will eventually result in dental decay. The former technique, referred to as the minimal contouring technique does not require anesthesia, but the latter does. They will both require temporaries to protect the teeth while the lab work is being completed, and may be a source of discomfort in the form of tooth sensitivity.

If you don’t qualify for the minimal preparation technique for one reason or another, it may be advisable to consider other avenues, especially if something as minute as a gap is bothering you. Problems such as this can be treated with orthodontia for a much smaller investment. There is no reason to tamper with healthy tooth structure unless you really need to. If aesthetics are a concern for you relative to orthodontic work, you may consider invisible braces. A consultation will reveal whether or not you are a good candidate.

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.