LUMINEERS®

LUMINEERS® are a popular alternative to traditional porcelain veneers. LUMINEERS® differs from traditional porcelain veneers in a few key ways. Traditional veneers are thicker than LUMINEERS® and require the irreversible alteration of the natural teeth for application. LUMINEERS® are thinner than veneers and can be applied to natural teeth with little or no preparation. They are a beautiful, long-lasting solution for minor cosmetic imperfections like cracks, chips, or intrinsic discoloration.

An Alternative to Porcelain Veneers

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An Alternative to Porcelain Veneers

Lumineers and porcelain veneers are two types of dental veneers that can improve teeth’ appearance. Here are some key differences between the two:

Thickness: Lumineers are thinner than traditional porcelain veneers, typically around 0.2mm thick, while porcelain veneers are typically 0.5mm to 1mm thick.
Preparation: To place traditional porcelain veneers, the dentist must remove a thin layer of enamel from the tooth’s surface. With Lumineers, little to no preparation is needed, and the veneers can be placed directly over the existing teeth without removing any enamel.
Material: Lumineers and porcelain veneers are made of porcelain, but the type of porcelain used in Lumineers is a proprietary blend claimed to be stronger and more translucent than traditional porcelain.
Durability: Lumineers may be less durable than traditional porcelain veneers because they are thinner and do not require the removal of enamel. However, both can last for many years with proper care.
Cost: Lumineers are typically more expensive than traditional porcelain veneers, with an average cost of $800 to $2,000 per tooth, while traditional porcelain veneers range from $500 to $1,500 per tooth.

It’s important to note that both Lumineers and traditional porcelain veneers can effectively improve the appearance of teeth and correct various cosmetic dental issues. The best option for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences, as well as the advice of your dentist or cosmetic dental specialist.

LUMINEERS® are an alternative to traditional porcelain veneers, usually requiring little or no tooth preparation. Like porcelain veneers, LUMINEERS® are porcelain shells that conceal minor cosmetic imperfections. However, patients with LUMINEERS® often have the choice to revert to their natural smile, while patients who choose traditional veneers will always require restoration to protect their altered teeth. Call a cosmetic dentist today if you want to enhance your smile without the life-long commitment of traditional veneers. A skilled cosmetic dentist who can create the smile of your dreams with LUMINEERS® in as little as two visits.

What Are LUMINEERS®?

LUMINEERS® are ultra-thin porcelain shells affixed to the front of your natural teeth. These translucent shells mimic the look of natural tooth enamel while covering chips, stains, and other minor cosmetic imperfections.

LUMINEERS® can be applied in two visits. They require little to no alterations to natural teeth because they are skinny and can fit onto the front of the natural teeth without looking or feeling bulky. With proper care, LUMINEERS® can last 10 to 20 years.

How Are They Applied?

During a patient’s first visit, a dentist assesses a patient’s candidacy for treatment, explains the treatment, and takes impressions and photographs of the patient’s smile. Dr. Sabatini creates molds from the patient’s impressions, which are sent along with the photographs and notes to the LUMINEERS® laboratory.

The patient returns for a second visit once the LUMINEERS® have returned from the laboratory, which usually takes about two weeks. During the second visit, your dentist will ensure that each veneer fits properly with its natural tooth. He then places a light etching on the front of the teeth to prepare them for bonding. Placing each LUMINEER® takes just a few minutes. LUMINEERS® are fully functional after application, and patients can leave our offices with confident, beautiful smiles.

What makes Lumineers a great choice?

Lumineers have several attractive highlights. The procedure is painless and quick– drilling, numbing, and anesthesia are not even required! Furthermore, this minimally invasive procedure is less expensive than porcelain veneers.
A thin porcelain material (called Cerinate Porcelain) is used to create the Lumineers solution and is thinner than traditional porcelain veneers. It is comparable to the thickness of a contact lens.
Since they fit on top of your tooth, adaptations to natural teeth are typically unnecessary. They are considered “prepless veneers” (and painless!) due to the decreased prep work needed to customize your Lumineers.
The Lumineers dentist in Cincinnati offers this reversible cosmetic dental procedure. This means that a patient can remove the Lumineers to expose the original smile if he or she chooses to do so.

How long do Lumineers last?

Depending on several factors, Lumineers can last between 5-10 years. It is even recorded that Lumineers lasted 20 years for some patients!
Practicing healthy at-home dental care, not grinding or clenching your teeth, and healthy lifestyle choices can all extend the duration of Lumineers.

How Are They Different?

LUMINEERS® are different because they provide beautiful results but do not usually require a lifelong commitment. Although thinner than traditional veneers, LUMINEERS® are highly durable and can withstand chewing.

Who Is a Candidate?

Most patients are candidates for LUMINEERS®, as they address cosmetic issues. Patients who may not be ideal candidates for LUMINEERS® are those who:

Have gum disease or decay on their natural teeth. LUMINEERS® is a purely cosmetic treatment and will not address or fix these issues.
Have severely crooked, cracked, or worn-down teeth. In these cases, more substantial restorative treatments will probably be recommended.
Are you planning to undergo orthodontic treatment in the future? LUMINEERS® are not compatible with orthodontic treatment. Depending upon your needs, Invisalign® may be recommended before any cosmetic treatments are administered.

Find a Lumineer Dentist Near You

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Get More Information Today!

You can better understand whether LUMINEERS® is a good option during a consultation. If you would like to correct minor cosmetic imperfections in your smile, contact your cosmetic dentist to schedule your personalized dental consultation.

Resources

Here are some resources and citations that can provide more information on Lumineers and porcelain veneers:

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD): The AACD is a professional organization that provides education and resources on cosmetic dentistry. Their website offers information on Lumineers and porcelain veneers, as well as a directory of cosmetic dentists. https://www.aacd.com/.
Lumineers: The official website of Lumineers provides information on the technology and benefits of their system and a directory of dentists who offer Lumineers. https://www.lumineers.com/.
The Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry: This peer-reviewed journal is published by the AACD and offers research and case studies on cosmetic dental procedures, including Lumineers and porcelain veneers. https://aacd.com/jcd.
Porcelain Veneers Guide: This website provides an overview of porcelain veneers, including their benefits, risks, and costs.
Dental Research and Resources: This website provides information on various dental procedures and products, including Lumineers and porcelain veneers. https://www.dentalresearchresources.com/.

These resources can provide reliable information on Lumineers and porcelain veneers and help you decide which type of veneer may be right for you. As with any dental procedure, it’s important to consult a qualified dentist or cosmetic dental specialist to determine the best treatment option for your needs.