Want Porcelain Veneers? How About Lumineers Instead?
Would you like to perfect your smile without undergoing long and/or invasive procedures? Asking that’s like asking if Bend is nice in the fall — an obvious duh. And now there’s a way for your dentist to hide chipped, cracked, stained, or otherwise imperfect teeth easily, without having to alter your healthy tooth enamel first. Keep reading to learn more about Lumineers, a wonderful alternative to traditional veneers.
How Are Lumineers Different From Veneers?
Like traditional veneers, Lumineers are tooth-shaped coverings made out of dental porcelain. But they are much thinner — traditional veneers are usually about 1 millimeter thick, or approximately the width of a credit card. That’s pretty thin, but imagine putting that amount of porcelain over each of your teeth as they are now. It’d make them look pretty bulky, and your lips might puff out as a result. That’s why your dentist will have to remove some healthy tooth enamel before placing these conventional veneers.
Lumineers, on the other hand, often do not require the alteration of healthy tooth enamel. Unlike traditional veneers, Lumineers can be applied directly to your teeth as they are now — in just one visit to the dentist. If for some reason you decide you want to return to your regular teeth later on, you can do so.
With Lumineers, you can enjoy all these benefits:
- No need for temporary restorations
- Completed in just one appointment
- Remove them later on if you wish to return to your natural teeth
- No need for anesthesia or shots in the procedure
- Porcelain does not stain like natural teeth
- Customized results for your most natural-looking smile
How Much Do Lumineers Cost?
Lumineers usually cost about the same as traditional porcelain veneers — and they can also be more affordable than you think. The only way to know for sure whether or not you can fit Lumineers into your budget is to call your certified Lumineers dentist to schedule an appointment and discuss your specific smile needs.
Lumineers range from $800 to $2,000 per tooth. The total cost of yours will depend on the size, your case difficulty, and other factors.
Are You a Candidate for Lumineers?
Many adults are eligible for Lumineers. If you are unhappy with the appearance of imperfect front teeth, contact your dentist to discuss your candidacy for Lumineers and other cosmetic options. People who are not fit for this option may be eligible for traditional veneers or direct bonding, another non-invasive procedure that is completed in one visit to the dentist.
