You might be self-conscious about your smile if you deem your teeth to be imperfect. You might also want to enhance your smile’s aesthetic appeal. Well, all this is possible. You might have heard of veneers, but maybe you’ve never heard of Lumineers. Lumineers are ultra-thin veneers that transform your grin and enhance your smile.

Are you in Lomita, California, and want to have a dazzling smile thanks to Lumineers treatment? Then don’t hesitate to visit Washington Dental. We have professional dentists with a wealth of experience who will accord you the best treatment.

Without further ado, let’s delve deeper into this treatment option.

What Are Lumineers?

Lumineers are a type of veneer that has grown in popularity in the last twenty years. It’s a popular corrective option for various teeth imperfections, including discoloration, chips, gaps, or cracks. Lumineers are ultrathin, which adds to their popularity. Lumineers give you a straight, white, and beautiful smile. The procedure involves bonding the Lumineers to the front of your teeth. The procedure takes two visits to the dentist. In some cases, you don’t need injections or drilling.

Lumineers are also referred to as no preparation veneers. This reference can be misleading because you might need some form of preparation. However, the tooth preparation isn’t as intensive as you would require for other procedures.

As earlier stated, Lumineers are pretty popular because they are much thinner than other veneers. They are also lighter and a perfect option for correcting imperfections, especially on the front teeth. Lumineers don’t require much tooth preparation. They’re also minimally invasive.

When Do You Need Lumineers?

The primary purpose of Lumineers is to cover up tooth imperfections. Some of these imperfections include:

• Chipped or cracked teeth

• Slightly crowded teeth

• Spaced teeth

• Worn out teeth

• When your teeth have a smallish appearance

Let’s focus on these imperfections in more detail.

Tooth Discoloration And Stains.

As you age, use too much coffee, alcohol, or tobacco, your teeth might start to discolor. Although you might try tooth whitening, the treatment isn’t long-lasting. Lumineers are an excellent option for they last longer and give you a bright smile.

You Want To Make Minor Color Changes.

The Lumineers cover your teeth and brighten any darker coloring of your teeth. You can use two approaches if you are only interested in covering the darker color of your teeth.

1. First Approach

The first approach is using thicker Lumineers which are more effective in masking the color of your teeth. Your dentist will have to file some bit of your tooth to create room for the Lumineers to avoid excessive tooth bulkiness.

2. Second Approach

The second approach is using slightly opaque Lumineers. The only drawback of this option is that it gives your teeth an unnatural look. To overcome this challenge, your dentist will only use opaque Lumineers, where you only need a slight change in the color shade of your teeth.

If You Need To Make Minor Alignment Changes To Your Teeth

Lumineers are an excellent redemptive option if your teeth are slightly misaligned. The treatment is an excellent option for aligning your teeth to correct minimal misalignment. If your teeth are severely misaligned, you need other more invasive treatments.

If You Have Gaps In Your Teeth

If you have spaces between your teeth, Lumineers are an excellent option to correct the situation. The Lumineers increase the size of your teeth, effectively closing the gaps between your teeth.

When You Have Inclined Or Small Teeth

Lumineers work well if you have small teeth because they increase their size. They’re also a great option if you have chipped teeth. They perfectly cover these imperfections. Lumineers are also a great choice if your teeth are either inclined forward or backward.

To Cover Stained Fillings

Over time, white fillings tend to stain. Lumineers are a great option to restore the aesthetic appeal of the stained fillings. They also enhance the longevity of the fillings as they form a protective shield.

Preparation For The Procedure

Lumineers don’t need a lot of preparation. But if you have a condition like a gummy smile, your dentist might recommend gingivectomy to reduce excessive gum for better results. However, the dentist can’t perform the two procedures simultaneously. If you undergo a gingivectomy, you have to wait for your gums to heal first before undergoing the Lumineers procedure.

In preparation for the procedure, your dentist might also sand, clean, or slightly etch your teeth.

Lumineers Treatment Procedure

Because Lumineers aren’t as bulky as other types of veneers, the process is not complicated. It’s essential to know what you should expect when you visit your dentist for the procedure. Knowing what the process entails beforehand enables you to relax and be at ease.

Every patient is different. Your experience may differ from that of another person. However, the process is quite similar.

The process involves two dentist’s visits.

The First Visit

The first step involves scheduling a visit to your dentist. During the first visit, your dentist will perform an oral inspection to determine if you’re an ideal candidate for the procedure. They will take both the upper and lower teeth impression and send them to the dental lab to create your Lumineers. The dental lab uses the impressions to customize your Lumineers. Your dentist will also explain the process and what to expect during the treatment. They will also schedule your second appointment. You also have to give your consent before the dentist starts the procedure.

The Second Visit

With conventional veneers, the dentist needs to drill some of the enamel. They will file away the enamel to create space for the veneers. They do so by grinding the outer part of your tooth. You will need to endure the drilling process, and you will probably require an anesthetic.

Unlike conventional veneers, Lumineers don’t require much tooth preparation. Your dentist only needs to remove only a little bit of enamel. In most cases, enamel removal isn’t necessary. The actual Lumineers process only takes a short time. One or two hours is enough for the procedure. The treatment is also painless, which negates the need for injections. Before your dentist bonds the Lumineers to your tooth, they will test each one to ensure they fit perfectly.

Effects and Recovery After The Treatment

Since the procedure is non-invasive, you don’t suffer any downtime, and you can head right back to work afterward. You might experience sore gums after the procedure for at least three weeks. You should notify your dentist should you experience any bleeding or if the gum inflammation lasts more than three weeks. Your teeth sensitivity might increase after the procedure, but it will gradually decrease after a while.

It’s advisable to observe high levels of oral hygiene after the procedure to avoid infection of the gums. Also, don’t appraise the gums with a rough toothbrush or use harsh mouthwash products during your recovery period.

You Can Still Undergo The Treatment Even If It’s Not The Perfect Solution For Your Condition

At times Lumineers might not be the perfect solution for your solution. But you might weigh the pros and cons of the procedure and decide the pros far outweigh the cons. You might decide to compromise ideal results if you are terrified of drilling, jabs, and other dental procedures. The results you seek also determine if you choose Lumineers over other dental procedures.

Since Lumineers are extremely thin, they have to be considerably opaque to cover the color of the underlying teeth.

Knowing If You Are The Best Candidate For Lumineers

During the initial examination, your dentist will advise if Lumineers are your best option depending on a few factors, including the extent of your tooth damage. If you have missing teeth, gum diseases, crooked teeth, or large gaps between your teeth, your dentist might advise you to seek alternative treatment.

Lumineers work best if you want to make simple adjustments and don’t have major underlying dental issues.

Although the Lumineers are ultrathin, they will increase the size of your teeth. Your dentist will make the necessary adjustments to give the perfect bite to avoid the increase in size posing a problem.

Adjusting To Lumineers

You might take some time to become used to the Lumineers. Your dentist will guide you on how to adjust to the treatment in the best manner. Although you might experience some discomfort, you will become used to their feeling. Due to the practical results of Lumineers, you’re more confident when you smile.

You should take care of the Lumineers as you do your natural teeth. Ensure you practice the best oral hygiene and visit your dentist as often as possible for regular checkups.

How Much Do Lumineers Cost?

The cost of Lumineers depends on the number of teeth that require the treatment, the size of your teeth, and your locale.

Lumineers Cost Per Tooth

The cost per tooth for the procedure can range between $800 to $2,000. The factors which influence the cost include your location, the price your dentist charges for similar treatments, the complication of your treatment, and the size of the Lumineers, among other similar factors.

Lumineers Cost For The Whole Mouth

It’s possible to have Lumineers in your whole mouth. Since Lumineers are for aesthetic purposes, it’s of no use to have them on teeth that no one will see. But you can have the Lumineers on your back teeth to treat a special condition like tooth sensitivity. Bundle discounts don’t usually apply for Lumineers. This means the cost of treatment for the whole mouth will be more or less the number of teeth multiplied by the cost of treatment for one tooth.

Does Insurance Cover For The Cost Of Lumineers?

Since Lumineers are a cosmetic treatment, most insurance policies do not cover the procedure. Insurance only covers the cost of the procedure and has another benefit rather than aesthetic appeal. The insurance will cater to the cost if you undergo treatment for an exceptional condition like teeth sensitivity.

Consultation Fee Also Affects The Cost Of The Lumineers

Your dentist will explain how they expect the procedure to turn out. The dentist can include the cost of this consultation in their charges or charge you separately.

Is It Worth To Pay That Much For Lumineers?

You should speak to your dentist to determine if the treatment is worth it. Each case is different. Your dentist can recommend another procedure that might be cheaper and have better results in correcting your condition. Some other options include crowns, teeth whitening, or regular veneers.

Lumineers have a five-year warranty. This means your dentist will replace or repair them free of charge should they crack or become damaged in any way. However, the warranty has its limitations, and it's critical to understand its limits. If the damage happens because of your negligence, you will have to cater for the replacement or repair.

Lumineers Replacement Costs

Although Lumineers are pretty durable, you will need to replace them at a point. In most cases, the cost of replacement is the same as the cost of placing new Lumineers. The price is the same because the replacement and initial placement processes are similar. The replacement isn’t quicker or easier.

Advantages of Lumineers

They Are Removable

Unlike other types of veneers, Lumineers are removable. The treatment is reversible. With veneers, the dentist files away some enamel to make room for the treatment.

In most cases, the dentist doesn’t need to file your teeth to place Lumineers. They are extra thin and can last for up to 20 years with proper oral hygiene. Removing them is not a problem no matter how long you have had the Lumineers.

The Procedure Is Quite Non-Invasive

The treatment is relatively noninvasive as you require minimal drilling or filing if any at all. The treatment is an excellent option if you are averse to invasive dental procedures. The procedure means you can avoid any jabs.

You Will Not Experience Much Tooth Sensitivity

Since the procedure is non-invasive, as earlier mentioned, the occurrence of tooth sensitivity is significantly reduced. Tooth sensitivity is often a result of the filing, which isn’t necessary in most cases with Lumineers.

The Bonding Is Strong

Lumineers are one of the strongest bonds created in dentistry. This makes it durable, strong, and predictable. With other veneers, it’s possible to file too much enamel that dentin is exposed. Bonding the veneer to dentine is much less secure. Dentin is found beneath the enamel.

Risks and Complications Of Lumineers

Similar to other dental procedures, Lumineers also have risks. But with the help of your dentist, you can manage the risks, and the Lumineers will last for a long time. Below are some of the risks and complications of Lumineers.

You Will Need Lumineers For The Rest Of Your Life

Unlike other cosmic dental solutions like braces, Lumineers are permanent. Most probably, you seek this option because of its permanency. You should realize once you have the Lumineers, you will always need them. Due to their permanency, always give careful consideration before going for this treatment.

It Might Increase The Tooth’s Sensitivity

Although your dentist strives to ensure that your dentine is well covered, at times, that’s not what happens. As a result, you might become sensitive to hot or cold food and drinks. However, the sensitivity is only short-lived and lasts for about a week. If you experience tooth sensitivity after one week, you should go back to your dentist. The sensitivity might be an indication of a deeper problem.

They Can Cause Irreversible Destruction On Your Teeth

Although Lumineers are thinner than other types of veneers, the dentist might need to file off some enamel from your teeth. The extent of filling down for Lumineers is less, but you might require some drilling. They are less damaging than crowns but still pose a danger.

Cracking

Another risk associated with Lumineers is cracking. As you consume hot and cold drinks, your teeth expand and contract. The Lumineers might eventually crack over time due to this movement.

The Safety Of The Procedure

One of the most significant concerns of patients is the safety of a particular procedure. Dentists consider the procedure relatively safe. It’s pretty noninvasive, and little or no drilling is required. You also don’t have to receive jabs. But as earlier stated, the Lumineers can increase the size of your teeth, which can affect your bite. Although it's rare with Lumineers, you might develop gum disease. Additionally, you might experience some tooth sensitivity, chipping and cracking of the Lumineers. But with proper oral hygiene, the Lumineers can last up to 20 years.

Taking Care Of The Lumineers To Prolong Their Longevity

Lumineers are long-lasting, provided you practice proper oral hygiene. The average lifespan of Lumineers is 20 years. However, they can last from 10 to 30 years, depending on your care. The dentist can repair your Lumineers if they develop a small crack or chip. But you will have to replace the Lumineers if the damage is extensive.

As earlier stated, you must take proper care to prolong the longevity of your Lumineers. Doing so will protect your Lumineers from cracking and breaking. It will also prevent them from falling off. Do not bite your nails, chew hard food or grind your teeth. Brush after every meal or at least two times a day and visit your dentist for a checkup at least twice per year. Although Lumineers are stain-resistant, they aren’t resistant to discoloration. You should therefore avoid tobacco, beer, and too much coffee.

Below are the reasons why you should practice high oral hygiene.

Decay

Although the Lumineers don’t decay, the tooth can decay if you fail to maintain proper dental hygiene. The decay happens when bacteria enter the tooth through the Lumineers’ margin.

The Lumineers Become Exposed As Your Gum Recedes

The gum recedes due to several reasons. Toothbrush abrasion and gum disease are among the leading causes. As you age, your gums recede at a rate of 1 to 2 millimeters after every ten years. Your gum’s gradual recession can expose the Lumineers. The recession of the gum may not necessarily compromise the durability of the Lumineers.

The Lumineers Might Stain

Lumineers are much more resistant to discoloration than your natural teeth. But if you aren’t careful with your diet and oral health, the Lumineers will discolor. You should avoid too much coffee, alcohol and tobacco.

The Lumineers Might Fall Off

Although the bonding is quite strong, your Lumineers might fall off due to several reasons. The Lumineers might de-bond because of improper care, tooth decay, grinding, or continuous biting on hard foods. If the Lumineers come off, you should preserve it and visit your dentist for reattachment if it’s possible.

Breakages Of The Lumineers

If you grind your teeth or have an uneven bite, you are at a higher risk of cracking or breaking your Lumineers. To protect the Lumineers, you should wear splints. Hard foods such as nuts can break your Lumineers. You should therefore be more careful when chewing such foods.

If the crack is small, you don’t need to replace the Lumineers. Your dentist will repair it without placing a new one. If the damage is more severe, you will need to bear the replacement cost as your dentist replaces the entire Lumineers.

Call A Dentist Near Me

Lumineers are an excellent solution for enhancing your smile, especially if you’re antsy about needles and drilling. The process is noninvasive and generally painless. The result is a smile you can be proud to show off. The treatment has a host of advantages over regular veneers. Lumineers are ultrathin, which in most cases eliminates the need for tooth filing. They are also less bulky and can last up to twenty years with excellent oral hygiene.

If you or your loved one is in Lomita, California, and want dental services with a difference, don’t hesitate to visit Washington Dental. We have over 20 years of experience in various dental procedures, including Lumineers treatment. All our patients are delighted with the results. You can contact us at 310-326-5183.