Much like a fresh coat of paint can refresh a rustic home, veneers improve the appearance of teeth by covering surface imperfections with a glossy, beautiful cover. You may already be familiar with veneers, but did you know that Lumineers are the most-requested option? Their ultra-thin design refines the treatment process while still delivering noticeable cosmetic improvements.
Veeneers are thin shells that cover the front of the tooth, rejuvenating the look of your smile. For traditional veneer treatment, a dentist typically needs to remove a small amount of tooth structure to make room for the outer layer. This process can lead to discomfort or sensitivity and permanently change the tooth’s shape. If you want a less invasive way to revamp your smile, Lumineers® can help achieve the look of traditional veneers without the irreversible and uncomfortable alterations to the tooth.
When Veneers Are Too Invasive, Try Lumineers®
Over time, teeth may become discolored or break down from wear and tear. Dr. Keider offers veneers to patients who want to cosmetically enhance their smile.
Compared to dental crowns or tooth replacement with dental implants, veneers are generally less invasive for patients who want to improve the appearance of their teeth. Even so, the traditional veneer process still requires Dr. Keider to remove a portion of healthy tooth structure before placement. Because this step can cause sensitivity, he typically uses injectable anesthesia to keep you comfortable.
Once your teeth are prepared, the process continues with temporary veneers. These protect your teeth while a dental lab custom-fabrics your permanent restorations, a step that usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.
You may be considering veneers, but feel hesitant about grinding down healthy teeth or making permanent changes to your smile. You might also want to avoid the waiting period that comes with temporary veneers. Lumineers® offer a thinner alternative with a less invasive and more comfortable application process.
How We Place Lumineers
The key difference between veneers and Lumineers® comes down to tooth preparation. Lumineers do not require Dr. Keider to remove any of your natural tooth structure before placement. Because they are much thinner, roughly the thickness of a contact lens, he can bond them directly to your teeth. By avoiding shaving down the tooth, he won’t need to numb you with local anesthesia. You can improve the appearance of your smile with minimal discomfort while keeping your natural teeth intact.
Lumineers share key cosmetic benefits with traditional veneers while using a more conservative approach. Like traditional veneers, Lumineers are made from porcelain, though the material is much thinner. For that reason, they are often described as ultra-thin or laminate porcelain. Because they often require little to no tooth reduction, Lumineers are often called “no-prep” veneers.
With Lumineers, we don’t need to place temporaries while you wait for the lab to make your permanent veneers. During your first visit, Dr. Keider takes detailed impressions of your teeth and sends them to a dental lab. Technicians at the lab fabricate your custom Lumineers over the next two to four weeks. Once they are complete, you return to the office, where Dr. Keider places your permanent Lumineers during a single appointment.
Some Drawbacks of Lumineers
While Lumineers have several upsides, one drawback is that they are not as durable and may not last as long as standard veneers. Another consideration is translucency. Because they are thinner, Lumineers are more translucent than traditional veneers. If you want a more dramatic change in tooth color, this ultra-thin option might not be your best bet.
Moreover, while Lumineers usually don’t require removing any enamel, that is not always the case. Depending on the shape of your teeth and your smile goals, Dr. Keider may still need to remove some healthy tooth structure to achieve the look you want. This change would be irreversible.
You can discuss your veneer options with Dr. Keider by scheduling a consultation. He will recommend the best kind of veneer based on what results you’d like to see.
Book a Veneer Consultation Today
Veneers can dramatically improve the appearance of your teeth, but they require permanent changes to tooth structure. If you are interested in the cosmetic benefits of veneers and would prefer a less invasive option, Lumineers may be worth considering. At Matthew Keider DDS, we provide Lumineers® and other cosmetic treatments in-house to support your dental care needs.
Schedule a consultation for Lumineers or veneers today!
