If you’ve ever wondered about tooth enamel, you may have thought about why it is so important. Tooth enamel is actually the hardest material on your entire body. Made up of materials that range in color from light yellow to white, tooth enamel serves as the main source of protection for your teeth. While tooth enamel is a durable material, once it is destroyed, it cannot be regenerated, which is why it is so important to practice an excellent oral health regimen. Unfortunately, enamel does get damaged from time to time. It can come from chewing on hard things, such as ice or hard candy, or it can be damaged by acidic substances. Let’s take a closer look at what we can do when our tooth enamel is cracked, chipped, or damaged, and we need to get our smile looking as wonderful as possible.
What are Veneers?
What are Lumineers?
What Exactly is the Difference Between Lumineers and Veneers?
Anyone who needs to fix a less than perfect tooth, or in some cases, more than one tooth may be wondering what the difference is between Lumineers and veneers, and more importantly, which one is the best option for them. The main difference is that veneers require the removal of some of the tooth structure before they can be applied, which is not the case with Lumineers. Veneers tend to be thicker, so the application process requires some preparation so that the veneer looks natural when it is bonded to the tooth. Also, Lumineers more closely resemble natural tooth enamel. Since the application of Lumineers does not require the removal of tooth structure, they can be removed if the patient wishes. This is not the case with traditional dental veneers. Keep in mind that when veneers are applied, the procedure may result in some sensitivity of the tooth. Many patients find that Lumineers are much more tolerable. If your smile is less than perfect, and you are considering Lumineers as an option, your dental professional can advise you as to if you are a candidate.
Benefits of Lumineers
There are many benefits to Lumineers, including the following:
- Little to no preparation is required for the application process.
- The application process is pain-free.
- Lumineers are completely natural-looking.
- They are extremely comfortable to wear.
- The patient does not have to wear temporaries while waiting for their Lumineers to be made.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
If you are considering Lumineers, it is likely that you are wondering what the procedure involves for having them applied. The process is actually quite simple! It typically takes two visits to your dental professional. At the first visit, you’ll have custom molds taken so that your personalized Lumineers can be made. The dentist will determine the exact shade that the Lumineers need to be in order to look completely natural. When you return to the office for the second appointment, the Lumineers are simply bonded to the surface of your natural teeth. The teeth may then be polished for a finishing touch. It’s as simple as that! There is no pain or sensitivity, and no downtime to worry about.
Longevity and Care of Lumineers
When properly cared for, Lumineers can last for up to 20 years. Those who have this type of dental veneer should care for them in the same way they would for their natural teeth. A healthy oral care routine should be followed, which includes the following:
- Brushing the teeth with the proper technique twice a day, for two minutes at a time. A fluoride-containing toothpaste should be used that is approved by the American Dental Association.
- Flossing the teeth using the appropriate technique one time each day.
- Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash for 30 seconds.
- Visiting your dental professional every six months for a routine cleaning and checkup.
Just as with the natural teeth, those who have Lumineers should avoid chewing on extremely hard foods, or anything else that can crack the teeth. One of the main benefits of Lumineers is that they are extremely easy to wear!
What is the Cost of Lumineers?
Patients should typically expect to pay approximately $800 to $2000 per tooth for Lumineers. Certain factors will affect this, such as the location, individual needs, how complicated the case is, and more. A dental professional can advise each patient about the cost of Lumineers for their specific situation.
At Blue Ash Dental, we realize just how important everyone’s smile is! We understand that there may be certain situations when someone’s teeth are less than perfect, and we believe that everyone should be able to smile with confidence. Our professional and compassionate staff knows that patients are looking for the easiest and most painless solution in order to correct their teeth. We will work with you to determine the best fit for your individual needs, and we will make the process as easy as possible from start to finish. If you have any questions, would like further information, or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.
