A Guide To Lumineers: Pros and Cons of Lumineers

Even with good at-home dental hygiene, regular professional cleanings, and dental check-ups, teeth damage can still occur. Fortunately, you don’t have to feel embarrassed or ashamed to smile in public because of damaged teeth. Thanks to improved innovations in dental technology, correcting dental flaws has never been easier.

Among other treatments, dental veneers, crowns, inlays & onlays, fillings, bonding, and Lumineers are common restorative procedures for damaged teeth. When you have minor to medium tooth damage, dental veneers are an excellent option to consider. If you don’t like the idea of significant tooth-shaping that comes with traditional veneers, then Lumineers may be a better option for you.

What are Lumineers?

Lumineers are a type of veneer-thin coatings that are placed over a damaged tooth to repair or hide the damage. Compared to traditional veneers, Lumineers are very thin.

A typical veneer measures approximately. 5 millimeters thick while Lumineers only measure .3 millimeters. Since Lumineers are very thin, they are ideal for repairing minor damage to a tooth’s structure, such as discoloration.

Pros of Lumineers

The pros of using Lumineers to repair teeth:

• Little or no teeth-shaping

With traditional veneers, significant tooth-shaping is required for the veneer to fit perfectly without looking big or unnatural. Trimming the tooth can destroy the structure of the tooth’s enamel, which can weaken the tooth. Since a Lumineer is very thin, very little or no tooth trimming is required. This helps to maintain more of the natural tooth.

• Look natural

When properly placed, a Lumineer looks natural. Since it’s very thin, it will be difficult for people to notice. The standard veneer tends to look opaque, creating a sense of falseness in your new smile.

• Improve your smile

Lumineers are designed to repair or hide damage to a tooth. For instance, if you have significant teeth yellowing, staining, or discoloration that doesn’t respond to whitening methods, you can benefit from Lumineers. A thin coating is placed over the stained tooth, giving you a whiter, natural, and healthier smile.

• Getting Lumineers is easy and painless

Unlike most dental treatments, the Lumineers procedure is less invasive. Only little to no tooth shaping is required to get the treatment. This makes the procedure an easy, quick, and pain-free way to reshape your smile. After the procedure, the only side effects are minor discomfort or sensitivity, which fades away within a few hours.

• Lumineers are reversible

With traditional veneers, more natural teeth have to be trimmed down to make enough room for proper installation. Remember that the trimmed enamel can’t be undone or put back in place, making the procedure irreversible. Lumineers are different. Since little to no tooth shaping is required, there’s minimal damage in the tooth’s structure, meaning that you can remove the Lumineers if you change your mind.

• Long-lasting

While Lumineers are very thin, that doesn’t compromise their strength. With proper installation and care, Lumineers can serve you for 5-20 years. To ensure longevity, practice healthy at-home dental care and habits. If you have bruxism, you can invest in a mouthguard.

• Cost-effective

Getting Lumineers won’t break your bank. By repairing tooth damage, Lumineer saves you money in the long run. For instance, when a chipped tooth isn’t repaired, it’s susceptible to more damage, calling out for expensive and complex dental procedures.

Cons of Lumineers

Like any other procedure, Lumineers have their downsides. These include:

• Not ideal for complex imperfections

Since Lumineers are very thin, they are only ideal for minor tooth imperfections. However, they may not be suitable for complex teeth damage such as severe discoloration, diastema, or cracked teeth.

• Not ideal for all patients

While Lumineers are solid and durable, teeth clenching and grinding can cause them to chip or crack, reducing their lifespan.

• Not repairable

In case the Lumineer cracks, chips, or breaks, it can’t be repaired. You’ll need a new one.

• Lumineers are more cosmetic

While Lumineers can add a little strength to your natural tooth, it’s considered more of a cosmetic option. Therefore, they may not be suitable for teeth flaws that affect a tooth’s strength and stability.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you looking for dental Lumineers services, or would you like to learn more about Lumineers? Contact Wellesley Dental Arts to book your appointment today.