Lumineers are a type of ultra-thin porcelain veneer that fits over the front surface of your teeth.
Lumineers are a type of ultra-thin porcelain veneer that fits over the front surface of your teeth. They're custom-made to blend in with your smile while covering imperfections such as stains, small chips, or teeth that look uneven. Each Lumineer is bonded directly to an existing tooth, changing its appearance without having to replace the tooth itself.
At Northside Dental, we understand that everyone has different reasons for wanting to improve their smile. Maybe you've been bothered by discoloration for years, or there's a particular tooth you'd like to change. Whatever your concerns, we'll examine your teeth, explain how Lumineers work, and discuss whether they're a good option for you. We'll also go over the costs, what the procedure involves, and any questions you have before getting started. To schedule an appointment, call Northside Dental at 317-342-9446 or visit our office at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.
One of the appealing things about Lumineers is how thin they are. The porcelain shells are often compared to contact lenses because of their thickness. Unlike traditional veneers, which typically require some enamel to be removed, Lumineers can sometimes be placed with little or no preparation of the natural tooth. This can make the procedure less invasive for patients who qualify. Treatment can often be completed in just a few visits, and the results can last for years with proper care. However, not every tooth is suited for Lumineers, and some preparation may still be necessary. We'll help you understand what to expect and whether they're the right choice for your smile.
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The Cosmetic Benefits of Lumineers
Lumineers are one of the most popular solutions for repairing damaged enamel. Lumineers, and the more well-known dental veneers, are most often used to replace enamel on your teeth that have become stained or simply do not have the whiteness they once did. Lumineers, like dental veneers, are an extremely thin strip of porcelain that is placed over your natural teeth. These ultra-thin strips of porcelain can cover your teeth and make them look like there is absolutely no damage, no stains, and that they are perfectly formed and shaped. For this reason, Northside Dental uses Lumineers for the following reasons:
- To close and cover gaps between your teeth.
- To alter the size and shape of your teeth so that they are symmetrical.
- To cover and hide dark stains from discolored enamel.
- They make your teeth look uniform.
- Will give you a bright and healthy smile.
- To cover a chipped tooth.
- To correct the look of crooked teeth.
- To improve the look of unevenly spaced teeth.
Lumineers are quite unique in that they are approximately 0.2 millimeters thick and highly translucent. This allows them to replicate the natural appearance of your teeth. Another benefit of considering Lumineers is that they are durable and remain resilient, lasting sometimes over 20 years. This can be much longer than other dental restorations.
Choosing Lumineers Versus Dental Veneers
You may ask us why you should consider Lumineers over the more common dental veneers. Our answer to this question is relatively simple. When you have dental veneers placed, it is necessary to remove the very top portion of your dental enamel to make way for the veneers. What you are essentially doing with dental veneers is removing the naturally occurring enamel so that they can lay flat without making your teeth appear overly large. The challenge with this process is that veneers will permanently alter your teeth. Once your enamel is gone, you will always need a dental restoration to protect them. Sometimes this procedure can also be uncomfortable, and that discomfort can last for days. It is also important to note that the more naturally occurring enamel you have, the healthier it is for the overall longevity of your teeth. If you decide to use Lumineers, over the more commonly used veneers, you are choosing a treatment that is less invasive and will allow your enamel to remain intact.
The Process of Receiving Lumineers from Your Team at Northside Dental
Once we have decided together to improve your smile with Lumineers, we will run through the procedure with you. The procedure to get your Lumineers will consist of two visits to Northside Dental. The first visit will be our initial consultation, at which time we will make impressions of both your upper and lower teeth as well as some necessary measurements. We will send this information to our Lumineers dental laboratory along with photographs and other dental records that you can provide. The Lumineers are then created on-site using your specific measurements to make sure that they fit perfectly and look completely natural. Unlike traditional veneers, you will not need any local anesthetics administered, so no shots are required to remove the enamel. Also, you will not have to wear unattractive acrylic temporaries. The first visit to Northside Dental is more consultative and focuses on getting the correct impressions to make sure that your Lumineers fit perfectly. Simultaneously, we will review the color palette together and some additional factors to make sure that once your Lumineers have been fitted and bonded into place, they look exactly the way you intended them to. This final step will take place at your second, and final, appointment.
It is important to remember that your Lumineers will function exactly the way your natural teeth would. There are no dietary restrictions, and it is imperative that you maintain your at-home oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice daily, floss once daily, and continue to visit us twice a year for the proactive preventative exams. Your Lumineers will last for years with proper care.
Your Comfort and Your Care
At Northside Dental, we know that finding time for dental appointments can be difficult, especially when you have a busy schedule. We do our best to offer convenient appointment times and make each visit as comfortable and efficient as possible. Whether you're coming in for routine care or a specific dental concern, our team is here to help you get the treatment you need. We want to be a dental office that you and your family can rely on for years to come, and we look forward to welcoming you into our practice. Call Northside Dental at 317-342-9446 to schedule an appointment, or visit us at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.