Teeth staining, discoloration, and chipping are common problems many people face. Thankfully, there’s an easy, pain-free, and highly durable solution: Lumineers.
In this blog post, we’ll review the Lumineers treatment, how it compares to traditional veneers, and when it may be right for you.
What are Lumineers?
To understand what Lumineers are, let’s first take a look into veneers.
Veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment option that help make your teeth appear both whiter and straighter. Typically made of thin porcelain material, they are used to cover up stained, discolored, or damaged teeth.
Lumineers are a brand of veneer that are ultra-thin and durable, and faster to apply than regular veneers. Traditional veneers are usually about 0.5mm thick — Lumineers are 0.2mm thick. For reference, that’s about the thickness of a dollar bill!
Who should get Lumineers?
- You have moderately stained or discolored teeth
- You have chipped teeth
- You have unwanted gaps between your teeth
- You have moderately crooked teeth
- You want to reshape your teeth
- Your teeth aren’t strong enough for traditional veneers
Lumineers are a fast, durable alternative to braces, teeth whitening, and other dental treatments.
Do Lumineers ruin your teeth?
This is a common question when it comes to Lumineers.
Thankfully, the answer is no! This question usually comes up because of the traditional veneer application process.
To apply traditional veneers, the teeth must be thinned down and shaped beforehand. This is so the veneers fit and look like natural teeth in your mouth. During the thinning process, some of the tooth enamel is removed, leaving a lasting impact on your teeth.
Lumineers, on the other hand, don’t require any tooth thinning or shaping before the application process. They can be applied and removed by your dentist at any time without damaging your teeth.
Are Lumineers better than veneers?
Besides the application process, you might be wondering if Lumineers are really that different from veneers.
Let’s take a closer look at how they compare to each other, plus some of the pros and cons of each.
| Lumineers | Veneers |
| Typically last 8-20 years | Last 10-20 years |
| Removable by a dentist with minimal effect on your teeth | Not as easily removable, and permanently impacts your tooth enamel |
| Don’t require any shaping or grinding of the teeth for application | Require some tooth preparation by thinning the teeth before application |
| Treatment can be completed in one appointment | Treatment is usually completed in two appointments |
| Highly stain and chip resistant | Highly stain and chip resistant |
| Great for chipped and moderately discolored or crooked teeth | Great for covering severely stained, discolored, or damaged teeth |
What to expect from the Lumineers procedure
If you’re considering getting Lumineers, or simply wanting to learn more, our experienced team is here to help! Dr. Frank is a certified Lumineers provider, and receives continuous training in the latest and greatest cosmetic dental procedures.
Here’s what the Lumineers procedure looks like at Sedation Dentistry of Sunny Isles:
- First, we’ll invite you to our Sunny Isles office for a consultation to discuss your goals, go over the procedure, and help determine if Lumineers are the right treatment option for you
- Next, we’ll make a detailed model of your mouth. This will help us create Lumineers customized to you.
- Then, we’ll place the Lumineers securely in place over your teeth
- That’s it! Enjoy your new smile after just one appointment
With your care and comfort in mind, we are proud of our investment in the latest high tech dental treatments, including:
- A number of sedation dentistry options to help minimize anxiety and discomfort during your appointment. Our sedation dentistry options include nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. Ask us which may be right for you!
- Advanced 3D imaging technology allows us to create crystal clear imaging of your mouth, and design the perfect custom cosmetic treatment for your teeth. All without the mess of goopy impressions!
How to care for your Lumineers
To make the most out of your Lumineers treatment — and to keep your teeth healthy and happy for as long as possible — we recommend maintaining a good oral hygiene routine. This consists of:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes
- Flossing daily
- Avoiding highly sugary or acidic food and beverages
- Visiting the dentist for regular 6-month cleanings and exams
Additionally, it’s a good idea to limit your intake of teeth staining foods like:
- Coffee and tea
- Red wine
- Tomato sauces
- Soy sauce
- Balsamic vinegar
- Dark sodas
- Sports and energy drinks
- Candy
Although Lumineers are incredibly strong, durable, and stain-resistant, these darker-hued foods and beverages may still cause them to stain or dull over time.
Contact us today
Our team at Sedation Dentistry of Sunny Isles has helped hundreds of people achieve the smile of their dreams. Could you be next?
Contact us today at (786) 629-1503 or book an appointment online.