How Dental Lumineers Work – 7 Common Questions Answered By Livonia Top Dentist

Lumineers are a brand of dental veneers, which are thin shells that are bonded to your teeth to cover gaps, stains, chips and unsightly gums. Dental Lumineers don’t require much preparation, which is one of the reasons they are a popular veneer option. This “minimal preparation” or “no-preparation” aspect is attractive to both patients and dentists.

1. What’s involved in the Lumineers Procedure?

First Visit: During your first visit, after the consultation, your Certified Lumineers Dentist will take a mould of your lower and upper teeth and will get a set of Lumineers made at an authorized Lumineers laboratory. Your dentist will also take photos of your existing teeth, jaw line and facial contours and send them to the lab along with the mould. Unlike traditional veneers, your dentist doesn’t need to do any additional drilling or take acrylic temporaries or give the patient any shots to brace during the drilling.

Second Visit: The second visit will usually be a couple of weeks later, by which time your Lumineers will be ready. First, your dentist will try the Lumineers on your teeth to ensure a good fit. Then, he or she will moderately etch your teeth to prepare them for the placement of the Lumineers. After this, your dentist will check your bite to ensure your teeth connect in the right places and that there’s no extra contact that might chip your Lumineers as you speak or chew. Then your dentist will bond the Lumineers to your teeth, one by one and check your bite, smile, and other factors again.

2. How Are Lumineers Different From Regular Veneers?

Traditional veneers are thick, and in order to place them on your teeth, your dentist is forced to grind down your existing teeth to achieve proper final thickness. Lumineers on the other hand, are ultra-thin, no more than 0.2 mm. They are very translucent, allowing them to replicate the natural appearance of enamel. They are so thin that there’s no need to reduce your existing teeth in order to fit them. Regular veneers only last for about 8 to 10 years while Lumineers are extremely durable and as such resist wear and tear to give you resilient use for about 20 years.

3. Is the Procedure Painful?

Unlike the traditional veneer procedure, there’s no additional grinding of one’s natural teeth when it comes to Lumineers. Therefore, it’s a totally pain-free reshaping of your teeth and permanently whiten then using the totally translucent, white Lumineers. There’s no post procedural discomfort or pain when it comes to Lumineers. Lumineers will look and feel natural from the time they are bonded to your teeth.

4. Can I Get Lumineers Instead Of Braces?

It depends on your case. Allow your dentist to evaluate your teeth and determine whether it is necessary to undertake any orthodontic procedures on your teeth. If your teeth are relatively straight, Lumineers might benefit you better than braces. Lumineers will help to reshape your teeth and give them a straighter more uniform look. What’s more, braces won’t affect your teeth’s colour, Lumineers will. You’ll have ultra-white, even teeth after your Lumineers procedure.

5. How long will Lumineers last?

Lumineers have been tested in clinics for longevity. It has been discovered that a Lumineers smile can last and look fantastic for over 20 years.

6. How Long Does The Procedure Take?

The entire procedure can be completed in just two visits to your dentist. Your time investment will be no more than an hour or two during each visit. You can get the Lumineers treatment done during your office lunch hour if you’d like.

7. Do I Need To Follow Diet Restrictions With My Lumineers?

Once your Lumineers are in place, they’re in place. They’re very firmly bonded to your teeth which means you can drink and eat whatever you please and with confidence. Be sure to maintain good oral hygiene, and visit your dentist every 6 months for cleaning and dental check-up in order to keep your Lumineers looking their gleaming white best and your gums healthy for a longer period.

Conclusion

There’s another advantage to Lumineers. If, at any point in your life, you decide that you don’t want them anymore, you can get the process reversed. You can get the Lumineers removed and carry on with your existing teeth or try some other treatment that might come up in the future. The fact that the Lumineers procedure is completely and easily reversible is another great advantage this product presents.

Want to know if Dental Lumineers are good option for you? Visit our dentist office in Livonia or Call us at (734) 522-5520 to schedule your free initial consultation.