Long Islanders that have a less than perfect smile may feel self-conscious about their appearance. An innovative type of veneer, known as Lumineers, may be the solution. These ultra-thin veneers eliminate small cosmetic nuisances like teeth staining, gaps between teeth and chipped teeth to create a beautifully flawless smile. To help decide if this popular dental veneer might be the right choice for you, check out this list of FAQs.
How are Lumineers different from traditional veneers?
Because they are thicker, traditional veneers require your teeth to be filed down before they can be placed. Lumineers are ultra-thin, so they can be placed on your teeth without the additional preparation. The thinner coating is designed to mimic your natural tooth, without the staining and other cosmetic blemishes that make you feel self-conscious.
Who should consider Lumineers?
Lumineers are typically recommended for patients requiring a mild degree of cosmetic repair. Patients with darks stains or other significant issues may get better results with traditional veneers. Lumineers are also a good choice for patients with teeth sensitivity, since no grinding or filing is required prior to placement.
What is the procedure like?
Lumineers can be placed in two relatively quick office visits. At the first visit, we will take impressions of your teeth and discuss the shade of whitening that you would like. The second visit, which usually takes around one hour, involves the individual placement and bonding of the Lumineers. Most patients find the procedure to be painless, since Lumineers typically do not require shots, filing or other preparation.
Will I have to watch what I eat and drink?
Sticky foods that are a problem with other types of dental appliances are not a concern with Lumineers. Their durable application allows you to treat them in a very similar fashion to your natural teeth. However, you may be advised to avoid beverages that can cause significant staining, such as coffee and red wine, to keep your Lumineers looking their best.
How long will my Lumineers last?
Most Lumineers will last 20 years or longer, if they are properly cared for. It is important to maintain a regular schedule of dental visits to ensure they remain in top condition.
What else should I know?
Lumineers are not a new product; in fact, they have been in use for nearly 30 years. Unlike traditional veneers, Lumineers can often be removed at the request of the patient, since the teeth underneath are not radically altered prior to their placement. Because Lumineers are unique in the way they are placed into the mouth, it is important to choose a dentist experienced in the procedure to prevent possible complications like gum inflammation after placement.
Are Lumineers right for me?
While Lumineers offer numerous benefits for some patients, they are not right for everyone. Dr. Nick and Dr. Elliott will take a number of factors into consideration before recommending the best veneers for your specific needs.
Achieving a beautiful smile is easier today than ever before, thanks to a wealth of options in cosmetic dentistry on Long Island. For patients with minimal corrective work needed, Lumineers can be a painless, non-invasive way to get the smile they are hoping for. To learn more about this product or other methods of cosmetic teeth correction, contact LI Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry at 631-246-4992.
