Lumineers

Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are placed over the front of the teeth to greatly change their appearance. Lumineers are one brand of these shells that come with their own set of benefits.

The Center for Family & Implant Dentistry offers Lumineers for patients who have a lot of tooth staining or other problems that affect the look of their teeth.

What’s Different About These “No-Prep” Veneers?

For some tooth staining, a whitening kit could work well, but for other kinds of staining, veneers are often the best way to cover it. Lumineers work in much the same way as other veneers but with a few key differences.

First, Lumineers are thinner than regular veneers. They are also less expensive than other veneer types. They take a shorter time to apply to the teeth, and it’s relatively easy to replace them or remove them when needed. These very thin veneers are made from porcelain and are about 0.3mm thick, about the same as a contact lens. They are also highly strong for their thin size. A regular veneer is about 1.5mm thick.

Lumineers are often referred to as “no-prep” veneers because their thinness allows them to be applied without taking a strip of enamel off the teeth to accommodate them. In some cases, there will be a slight need for this, but it’s not the same amount as with other types of veneers. They often last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, but they can last even longer if cared for properly.

With Lumineers being reversible, that is, they can be removed, many people choose this type of treatment. When you get regular veneers, they are considered permanent because the teeth have to be made smaller to accommodate them.

Getting Your Lumineers Applied

When you get traditional veneers, they require a lot more prep work than when you get Lumineers, which means fewer office visits. Regular veneers take three or more appointments, while Lumineers usually require two office visits.

The first appointment will just be a consultation about Lumineers, where Dr. MacConnell will tell you whether you are a good candidate for this option. If you are, he will tell you all about how it works and what the next step is. During this appointment, a mold will be taken of your teeth that will be sent away to the lab to make the Lumineers.

When you have your second visit about two weeks later, you will get your Lumineers applied. An adhesive will be applied to the teeth, and then our dentist will attach them to the fronts of the teeth.

Dr. MacConnel uses a light to harden the adhesive. You will likely then have an appointment after a few weeks to ensure that they are doing well. They will look just like natural teeth because they are a little translucent rather than completely opaque. They can do a lot to create a whiter smile for most patients, but they may not work well for teeth with severe discoloration.

Lumineers and Veneers in Bluff City and Kingsport

If you wish you had a brighter smile, Lumineers might be right for you. Call the Center for Family & Implant Dentistry for a consultation appointment. Our dentist can help you determine the best smile makeover options for your unique situation.