Lumineers
Lumineers are ultra-thin, translucent shells of Cerinate (patented porcelain) bonded to the topical surface of teeth to fix dental deformities like chips, cracks, fractures, gaps, and discoloration. They are only 0.2mm thick and seamlessly fit over teeth to deliver a natural- looking beautiful smile.
Lumineers provide a conservative alternative to veneers and are gaining ground among patients looking for both restorative and cosmetic dental procedures. While veneers require 0.5 to 0.75mm of the tooth enamel to be removed, Lumineers, in most cases, don't require enamel removal.
How are Lumineers placed?
Lumineers are called the "no-preparation” veneers and have a fast and easy placement procedure. The placement requires two visits to the dental office. Below is a step-by-step guide to Lumineers' fabrication and placement.
First visit
Step 1: Diagnosis
Like any other dental treatment, Lumineers' installation also requires a complete and thorough oral examination to determine the extent of damage and how it affects the other structures present in the oral cavity.
Regular X-rays and panoramic X-rays are used to assess the damaged teeth. Teeth with chips, fractures, cracks, discoloration, and gaps can be saved with Lumineers only if the damage has not reached the roots. If the oral examination proves the damage to not be extensive and not have reached the tooth roots, the dentist proceeds to the next step.
Step 2: Treatment planning
This step requires the patient's active participation. The patient should communicate clearly with the dentist and explain in detail his requirements and the result he is trying to achieve. Based on the patient's requirements, a custom treatment plan is generated.
Step 3: Digital impressions
Then, digital impressions of the teeth are obtained and sent to an authorized Lumineers lab, where Lumineers are custom-designed for each patient.
It usually takes 14-30 days for the dentist to receive the Lumineers from the laboratory.
Second Visit
Step 4: Placement of Lumineers
When the Lumineers arrive at your dentist's office, the patient will be called in for a second visit.
During the second visit, the dentist will check the Lumineers for their fit. If they fit perfectly and match the size, shape, and color, of the natural teeth, the teeth receiving the treatment are etched and the Lumineers are bonded in place.
What are the advantages of Lumineers over veneers?
Lumineers have transformed the way teeth were restored with conventional dental veneers. They provide multiple benefits and have become a popular choice among patients looking for conservative restorative and cosmetic dental procedures. The table given below highlights the advantages and differences of Lumineers over veneers.
| S.No | Parameter | Lumineers | Veneers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wafer-thin shells of porcelain bonded to the topical surface of teeth to fix dental deformities. | ||
| 2 | The thickness of the restoration varies from 0.5mm-0.75mm | ||
| 3 | Ultra thin like contact lenses. The thickness is only 0.2mm. | ||
| 4 | Extremely versatile and fix an array of dental issues like chips, cracks, fractures, discoloration, gaps, and also mild orthodontic problems. | ||
| 5 | Stain-resistant. Teeth restored with them become immune to stains and discoloration. You can consume all kinds of foods and beverages without the fear of developing yellow or brown teeth. | ||
| 6 | Maintaining and caring for teeth restored with them is easy. You have to treat them just like natural teeth and require no extra oral care regimen. | ||
| 7 | The veneer placement procedure is almost non-invasive and does not require the tooth enamel to be extensively removed. The natural tooth is preserved. | ||
| 8 | Solve cosmetic dental issues and improve the aesthetics of the smile. | ||
| 9 | They are gum-friendly and don't irritate the soft gum tissues. | ||
| 10 | Tooth-colored and natural-looking. Restored teeth look natural and blend in really well with the neighboring teeth. | ||
| 11 | The need for temporary restoration is eliminated. | ||
| 12 | The placement procedure is fast and hassle- free. | ||
| 13 | The treatment is reversible. If the patient dislikes the results, the restoration is easily removed. | ||
| 14 | Highly durable and with proper care last up to 20 years. | ||
| 15 | More affordable and cost-effective. |
At Murray Dental Care of Cupertino, our entire team of dentists and hygienists is committed to providing supreme quality dental care to our patients and their families. If you are inclined towards taking the first steps to improve your dental health and hygiene, call us at (408) 253- 5277 to book an appointment.
