Have you ever looked in the mirror and sighed in disappointment over the yellow staining on your teeth? Unfortunately, this reaction is not an uncommon one. As people age, their tooth enamel thins, making teeth appear more yellow.
Yet, the news is not all bad! There are options out there to improve the coloring of your teeth. Lumineers give you the opportunity to makeover your smile and have the white, bright teeth that you have always desired. Not sure whether they are right for you? Read on to get answers to some of the most common questions our patients have about Lumineers.
1. What are Lumineers? How are they different from veneers?
Lumineers are a brand of ultra-thin (.2 mm), translucent porcelain veneers. Traditional veneers are much thicker. For this reason, traditional veneers require aggressive and irreversible healthy tooth removal for application. This tooth removal means that, as a veneers patient, you would receive shots, anesthesia, and acrylic temporary veneers to wear until your permanent veneers were created in a lab.
With Lumineers, however, little to no tooth reduction is necessary. This typically eliminates the need for anesthesia and temporary acrylics. Most patients prefer Lumineers because the procedure is a minimally invasive one.
2. What are the benefits of Lumineers?
Lumineers can give you a perfect smile, improving the look of a variety of dental problems by:
• Brightening stained and discolored teeth
• Restoring chipped teeth
• Eliminating spacing and gapping between teeth
• Aligning crooked teeth without the need for braces
• Fixing the look of small or misshaped teeth
• Covering up crowns and bridgework
3. What is the process of getting Lumineers? Is it painful?
When you come to our office, we will create a mold and determine the shade of white you want for your Lumineers. Then, we will send the mold into the lab to be custom-created just for you. Once we receive your custom Lumineers, you will return to our office where we will painlessly apply them without shots or drilling. That’s it! In just two visits, you will walk away with a new, whiter smile!
4. Will I still be able to chew gum and eat sticky foods after getting Lumineers?
Yes, you can eat and drink whatever you want after getting Lumineers! Of course, you still want to brush, floss, and schedule regular dental appointments. Good dental hygiene will keep your Lumineers looking their best while making sure that your teeth and gums remain healthy.
5. How long do Lumineers last?
One thing that patients really appreciate about Lumineers is their durability. They last for over 20 years, making them a worthwhile investment.
6. Are Lumineers expensive?
The price of Lumineers varies depending on your individual needs and the number of teeth that you have done. Most people find that the cost is very reasonable because the results are so long-lasting.
While the procedure is not covered by insurance, we do offer CareCredit so patients can finance their treatment in ways that works for their budget. You can apply for the CareCredit program by visiting https://www.carecredit.com.
Okay, you convinced me. What do I do to schedule an appointment?
If you are seeking Lumineers in the Methuen area, we encourage you to schedule a cosmetic dentistry appointment at our office. We look forward to seeing you!
