What is the process of getting Lumineers?

Lumineers are a very popular cosmetic treatment for teeth that can transform the outer facing enamel and enhance the overall appearance of your smile. Lumineers are thin covers that look a little like fingernails. In this respect they are fairly similar to regular porcelain veneers, leading to many people confusing the two. However, Lumineers are a brand of cosmetic treatment in their own right and have some distinct differences to porcelain veneers, the most significant being that Lumineers are much thinner than standard veneers at only around 0.2mm rather than 05.mm. This helps them to more closely resemble real, natural dental enamel

Lumineers can be used to address a variety of cosmetic concerns, including:

-         Badly discolored teeth

-         Teeth that are worn down

-         Teeth that are chipped or broken

-         Teeth that are poorly aligned or shaped

-         Gaps between the teeth

-         Undersized teeth

If you think that Lumineers may be a great way to improve the appearance of your smile, you will need to attend a consultation to assess your suitability for the procedure. In the meantime, here is what you need to know about the process of getting Lumineers.

 

What does the process of getting Lumineers involve?

The process of getting Lumineers is easier and less invasive than that for conventional veneers. It usually takes place over three appointments with your cosmetic dentist. These are as follows:

Visit one. This is when you will have a consultation with your cosmetic dentist to determine if Lumineers are the right solution to transform the appearance of your teeth. X-rays may be taken, as well as impressions of your teeth. You will then be advised whether you are a suitable candidate for Lumineers or if there is an alternative treatment that is recommended.

Visit two. During your second visit, your cosmetic dentist will prepare your teeth for the Lumineers procedure if this is required. If preparation is needed, it will involve the removal of a little of the natural enamel covering the outer face of the teeth that are to receive Lumineers. This is done using a file, under the effects of local anesthetic. However, since Lumineers are so thin, in the majority of cases, no preparation work is needed at all. This isn’t just beneficial because you get to avoid a little invasive dental work. By leaving the underlying teeth untouched, you can preserve their structural integrity and be able to have your Lumineers removed and still have intact natural teeth beneath. This isn’t the case with conventional porcelain veneers which always have to have a significant amount of natural tooth enamel removed before they can be placed.

If you have preparatory work completed, further impressions of your teeth will need to be made which will be used to create your Lumineers.

Visit three. Your dentist will use this visit to check the fit of your custom Lumineers which will have been created before they are then secured permanently to your teeth.

Ready to see if Lumineers can transform your smile? Contact our offices today to schedule a confidential consultation.