How Lumineers Work

                                  (Photo credit: Design-dentalgroup.com)

They say the smile is the first thing people notice about you and makes a lasting impression. Celebrities and models sporting $30,000 veneers are making many of us self-conscious about our teeth. Lumineers are an excellent alternative to costly veneers and appear to be more natural-looking. 

What Are Lumineers?

Lumineers will not only give you a pearly white smile, but they can repair flaws and protect your teeth from future damage. Lumineers can repair cracked, chipped, discolored, and misshapen teeth. The ideal candidate is one who has healthy teeth and gums. If you've overlooked the dentist for years or even decades, you should schedule a cleaning and evaluation ASAP before it's too late. 

Lumineers are ultra-thin, thinner than a contact lens. Your dentist applies the Lumineers intricately over the teeth one-by-one. There is no prior need for drilling, enamel removal, or other prep work. The procedure is typically done within two appointments at your dentist's office. Compared to veneers, Lumineers are made from Cerinate porcelain and the procedure is less invasive. 

Lumineers may be right for you if you are concerned about discolored teeth and if whitening strips or toothpaste hasn't worked. It's also a great choice for those who want to correct cosmetic issues. Dental insurance usually does not cover the cost of Lumineers as it's considered cosmetic. The cost ranges from $800-$2,000 per tooth which is still cheaper than veneers. Most people opt to not do the back teeth which aren't seen when they smile to save money. The lifespan of Lumineers is 20 plus years depending on how you take care of them (no grinding your teeth at night). 

The procedure for Lumineers is painless during and after your treatment. It's an excellent option for those who have slightly crooked teeth and don't want to wear braces. Unlike veneers, Lumineers can be reversible and removed if necessary.