Dental Lumineers

Overview

What are Lumineers?

Lumineers are a brand of veneers used in cosmetic dentistry. They are thinner and less expensive than traditional veneers. Lumineers also take less time to apply and can be removed or replaced relatively easy.  They are commonly referred to as “no-prep” veneers.

Other minimal or no-preparation options include Vivaneers and Durathin veneers. Lumineers are probably the most well-known of the options because they are the most heavily marketed.

Cost of dental Lumineers

The average cost for dental Lumineers can range from $800 to $2,000 per tooth.

Lumineers cost (and the cost of other minimal and no preparation veneers) may vary depending on the dentist performing the procedure, the location in which it is performed, the specific treatment(s) required and dental insurance coverage.

Most dental insurance policies do not provide coverage for non-essential, esthetic treatments. To evaluate the price of Lumineers and related treatments, consider setting up several consultations with cosmetic dentists to better gauge costs.

Conditions treated

Like their traditional counterparts, minimal prep veneers are suitable for treating a variety of dental conditions. However, there are some cases that these conservative veneers can’t correct, while regular veneers can.  Some of the more common issues addressed using Lumineers, Vivaneers, or Durathin veneers include:

• Chipped teeth
• Cracked teeth
• Tooth discoloration (teeth whitening also may be recommended)
• Misshapen teeth
• Misaligned teeth
• Teeth spacing
• Smile enhancement

To determine candidacy, consult with a qualified cosmetic dentist who has experience placing veneers for teeth. In certain situations, an orthodontic solution may be available as an alternative to veneers. This may include braces, Invisalign, ClearCorrect, etc.

Veneer preparation

Unlike Lumineers, custom-designed veneers are composed from composite or porcelain materials and applied over the surface of natural teeth.

To accommodate the addition of the veneer shell, natural teeth must first be shaped or “prepped.” This process involves shaping and reducing the natural tooth structure to accommodate the thickness and form of the bonded veneer.

These changes rarely affect the underlying dentin layer of the tooth. Although most people are happy with their veneer treatment (preparation included), there are some who are concerned about permanently altering their natural tooth structure. This may not be a concern if you only need a single veneer, but someone changing the entire esthetic zone (visible smile) may be more apprehensive.

Alternative veneers like Lumineers offer a middle-ground for those seeking a smile makeover, but who are unwilling or unable to submit to traditional veneer requirements. Whereas certain Lumineers cases may require minimal preparation to aid application, such scenarios are far less frequent.

In addition, the minimal and no preparation procedures often require less chair time, less discomfort, and are less expensive.

Minimal prep veneer treatment

Minimal or no preparation veneers are made of ultra-thin ceramic materials capable of providing enduring functionality and natural, tooth-like esthetics.

The custom shells are applied to the facial surface of teeth using adhesive bonding.

In many cases, treatment is so minimal that patients do not require a local anesthetic. More often than not, tooth sensitivity determines whether anesthesia is necessary.

In certain situations, slight modifications to the enamel layer of the teeth may be necessary for optimal placement of the veneer.

How long do Lumineers last?

The Lumineers manufacturers claim a potential durability of 20 years, while alternative sources suggest that these veneers typically require replacement after 10 years. Unfortunately, there is limited research regarding the long-term longevity of Lumineers.

To learn more about Lumineers, visit www.lumineers.com.

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