If the demands of cosmetic changes in the mouth are too great for simple bonding Lumineers porcelain veneers may be the perfect alternative!
Lumineers porcelain veneers can change an entire smile. Quick, painless, and dramatic they can change the shape, color, size, and arrangement of teeth or any combination of these factors. They can even be used as an alternative for orthodontic treatment.
Dr. Popp can apply these contact lens-thin “smile shapers” to teeth without any grinding or shaving,
transforming teeth into a naturally beautiful smile that looks perfect for every individual. Lumineers can even be placed over existing crown or bridgework without having to replace them.
Lumineers are contact lens-thin and are placed over existing teeth without having to remove painful tooth structure (unlike traditional veneers.) Also, since your natural tooth structure is not altered they are completely reversible. Lumineers is the painless, permanent cosmetic solution for stained, chipped, discolored or misaligned teeth.
Treatment Time
Two office visits. The teeth will be prepared and an impression made on the first visit, which can take from one to four hours. The laminates will be fitted and inserted at the second visit, which may take the same amount of time. Expect to spend more time for more extensive treatment.
Patient Maintenance
The teeth should be professionally cleaned about three to four times yearly. Some precautions: as with bonding and crowning, take special care when chewing hard foods or biting into foods with your laminated teeth, to avoid chipping or potential fracture.
Results of Treatment
A polished, natural-appearing result that can make teeth appear straighter, whiter.
Average Range of Treatment Life Expectancy
Ten to fifteen years.
Cost
Approximately $900 to $1400
Advantages
- Tooth is not altered with drilling or removal of tooth structure
- No shots required for application
- Quick, painless procedure with minimal prep time
- Less chipping than with bonded restorations
- Etched porcelain provides an extremely good bond to enamel
- Wears less than the composite resin laminate
- Do not stain – does not lose color or luster
- Can make more proportional results because they are constructed in lab
- Gum tissue tolerates porcelain well
Disadvantages
- More costly than conventional veneers
- More difficult to repair if the laminate cracks or chips
- May eventually need repair or resealing of the margins if the cement washes out or debonds