Lumineers Cost

Lumineers are a special type of dental restoration developed and marketed by Den-Mat, LLC. These veneers are fabricated of a Cerinate (R) porcelain, which has a crystalline component that provides increased durability and thermal expansion. The concentration of this component (Leucite) can be regulated during the manufacture of porcelain restorations through various means, including multiple firings of the porcelain powder. This high concentration of lecuite facilitates the extra-thin fabrication of Lumineers, which at their thinnest measure an astounding .2 mm. In comparison, dental veneers can be as thick as .8 mm. The extent of tooth structure removal required during the procedure is a direct function of the actual bulk of the veneers and some additional factors.

Most dental patients are intrigued by Lumineers because they promise a beautiful smile through non-invasive means. The proposition of no shots or drilling (and as a consequence no longstanding commitment to the veneers) is very appealing to most people. In the United States alone, nearly 80% of the population exhibits some degree of dental fear. In the absence of ideal conditions, however, the “no-prep” technique (as the manufacturer of Lumineers has dubbed the least invasive variant of the procedure), is not possible. For instance, crowding teeth, malrotation, and misalignment may warrant some preparation. The next progression in tooth preparation only requires slight enamel removal (.3mm to .5mm). Fortunately, this too can be performed painlessly without the aid of anesthesia. The most invasive technique is reserved for patients who want a thicker set of Lumineers. Temporaries will need to be worn in these circumstances, where as much as 2mm of tooth enamel may need to be removed. As the lab is fabricating your set of veneers (a process which could take up to three weeks), these temporaries will protect your teeth against decay and diminish any tooth sensitivity.

The results you can achieve using Lumineers can be spectacular, provided you have them outfitted by a dentist who is experienced and comfortable with the procedure. These veneers are much more difficult to master due to the restrictive nature of the procedure as far as enamel removal is concerned. This goes to explain the extreme opinions circulating online and elsewhere about the product. Some are extremely happy with the results, while others incredibly frustrated. It’s not terribly difficult to distinguish which group spent the most time searching for a dentist.

The most prevalent complaints about Lumineers center around the veneers becoming dislodged, having an overly unnatural appearance, or becoming stained. These all reinforce the importance of choosing your provider carefully. Lumineers that pry off unexpectedly and for no apparent reason are usually the result of insufficient tooth preparation. A bulky smile is again indicative of a dentist who has not mastered complexities involved in the procedure. Finally, stains manifest when installation is poorly executed, allowing for excess bonding agent to remain on the edges of the teeth. This cement can absorb stains, making for an unsightly looking smile.

The official Lumineers website hosts a form that you can complete to receive information about Lumineers-certified dentists in your area. Alternatively, you can call the listed phone number. These cosmetic dentists have received formal instruction in the procedure and are solid bets.

As far as cost is concerned, expect to pay upwards of $1,000 per tooth. There will be some fluctuations according to where you reside, but the costs generally falls between several hundred dollars and $1,000. Insurance companies cover Lumineers on an infrequent basis. If you sustained an injury from an accident, you may qualify for coverage. In addition, Lumineers may be used in place of other restorations, like crowns, in certain circumstances. Talk to your dental insurance provider for details. Lumineers, like other cosmetic dentistry procedures, can be financed through your dentist’s office. The specific terms can vary.

The product comes with a five year limited warranty that requires patients to attend regular checkups and cleanings. It only protects against product defects. Your dentist will have to install the veneers per the recommended guidelines and using the specified products in order for your warranty to remain valid.

The only way to find out how good of a candidate your are for Lumineers is to schedule an appointment with a certified cosmetic dentist. Your oral health will be assessed and your dentist will present you with potential courses of treatment. So, if you’ve been contemplating a dental makeover, there is no better time to act than today.

At $1,000 a pop, Lumineers are a big investment for the average person. Naturally, people are curious to learn how they perform in the longevity and durability department. For starters, most tend to be alarmed by their ultra-thin nature. The manufacturer actually compares their thickness to that of contact lenses provided they are outfitted using the recommended bonding products. Lumineers are fabricated of a special porcelain material that is proprietary to their manufacturer. This material, Cerinate (R) porcelain is said to last up to 20 years (as indicated by clinical studies).

Some will dispute that any sort of veneers can last this long, especially when factoring in how most people care for their teeth in this day and age. A more realistic projection would probably be 10 years. The nice thing about Lumineers is that tooth structure removal is not mandated for installation (provided that the patient’s teeth can readily accommodate the increased thickness and have an optimal angle of emergence and rotation) . So if you grow tired of the veneers after several years, you can switch to conventional veneers or dental crowns. Just be aware that the preparation required to for these treatments is irreversible and will leave you bound to wearing some sort of restorations on the affected teeth for years to come.

Patients who undergo this procedure at the hands of an inexperienced cosmetic dentist tend to be dissatisfied with the results. Sometimes their veneers will fall off, leaving them with the impression that the treatment is a sham. This is nothing more than a case of misjudgement on behalf of the dentist. Don’t let these horror stories dissuade you as they fail to reflect on the actual quality of the product.

You may breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Lumineers come with a 5 year limited warranty. There are some restrictions you will have to abide by to qualify, including regular dental checkups and cleanings. Be sure your cosmetic dentist gives you the required documentation to complete to be eligible for the warranty. Assurance by word of mouth is never enough. If you haev the procedure done at a dentist not certified to perform this treatment, you run the risk of voiding your warranty if he/she does not conduct the installation using manufacturer recommended products.

Existing dental conditions could leave your Lumineers much more prone to wear and tear. Tooth grinding is one of such disorder that may translate to a greater need for maintenance. Although there is no official literature to confirm or deny this, hard foods are probably best avoided with any sort of dental veneers. You don’t want to risk jeopardizing the bond between the surface of the tooth and the veneer. Having the veneers replaced due to fractures can be an immense inconvenience. You will again have to schedule two separate dental visits and wear a temporary while your new veneers is getting fabricated in the lab. These sorts of accidents aren’t covered by the warranty mentioned above, so be ready to forfeit another thousand or so dollars for the slip up.