Dental veneers can be the perfect cosmetic dentistry solution for achieving a lasting, natural-looking smile. Our dentist in Annapolis, MD, Dr. Vernon Sheen, offers several options for changing the appearance and color of your teeth, including Lumineers®. These are considered a minimal or no-prep dental veneer. We can place Lumineers on your teeth with dramatic results in just two visits to our Annapolis dentist office.
What are Lumineers?
Lumineers are made from ultra-thin, quality ceramic material. We will customize them to blend with your natural smile.
Lumineers are a great option to fix these cosmetic dental problems:
- Discolored or stained teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Damaged teeth
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Worn down teeth
- Teeth that are too short or small
- Slightly crowded teeth
These veneers are so thin that they will require little to no tooth reduction and will still fit comfortably over your tooth. Traditional veneers are much thicker. This makes it harder for dentists to apply them.
The dentist must grind down your teeth to create room for traditional veneers. Because they have to remove some of the tooth structure, it would cause some significant discomfort and tooth sensitivity. With minimal or no prep veneers, you will experience no tooth sensitivity or discomfort after your dentist applies them.
The entire Lumineers procedure is minimally invasive because we adhesively bond these veneers only the front of the tooth. Dr. Sheen will work with you to achieve a new smile with Lumineers that complements your overall appearance. He will also ensure your Lumineers address your cosmetic concerns.
The Benefits of Lumineers
Lumineers in our Annapolis, MD, dental office offer many advantages over other types of veneers. This treatment offers:
- Strength to Natural Teeth: Minimal prep veneers can add strength to damaged, chipped, or cracked teeth. If you do not address those issues, it can lead to further damage and irreversible degradation. Our veneers help add structure to teeth while creating a beautiful smile.
- Reversible Treatment: This is the only type of veneer that is completely reversible. Since traditional veneers remove some of the tooth structure, you cannot simply remove them. If you are unhappy with your results, you can simply have them removed, and your natural tooth will be intact and strong.
- Lasting Results: Lumineers are long-lasting, with clinical tests proving that they will look great for about 20 years and sometimes even longer. They are also extremely durable and stain-resistant.
- Simple Treatment: One key benefit of Lumineers is how easy the process is. This type of veneer requires minimal prep, and our dentist can do it without needles, anesthetic, or discomfort. In addition, you do not need a temporary veneer when you get Lumineers.
- Improved Appearance: Lumineers can improve the appearance of your smile by covering up a range of cosmetic concerns. This includes stained or discolored teeth, slightly crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, and chipped or worn-down teeth.
- Comfort: Lumineers are custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly, ensuring a comfortable fit. Because Lumineers are thin, they feel similar to your natural teeth. You shouldn’t notice much difference after they are placed.
What to Expect: Lumineers Treatment in Annapolis, MD
The Lumineers process requires two visits. The first step is a consultation with Dr. Sheen to plan your treatment. He will take note of your budget, oral health, and cosmetic goals. If he finds outstanding dental problems, including a tooth or gum infection, he will treat those first.
Then, once you are healthy, Dr. Sheen will begin treatment. The first visit in your procedure will include dental impressions and color matching. Dr. Sheen takes impressions and color-matches the teeth so that your final result is comfortable and natural-looking and will support your long-term dental health.
Dr. Sheen will send these impressions and specifications to a dental lab, where technicians create your Lumineers. When your new veneers are complete and ready for final placement, we will schedule the second appointment.
At this visit, Dr. Sheen will check the color and shape of your Lumineers. Then, he will lightly etch the surface of the teeth. This will help him securely attach the restorations. He will adjust the veneers to ensure comfort. With good oral hygiene and routine dental care, you can enjoy your new smile for many years.
(*video courtesy of Lumineers®)
Lumineers FAQs
Learn more about Lumineers in our Annapolis, MD, dentist office with answers to these common patient questions:
Can I use Lumineers to get a straighter smile?
If there are no concerns or bite problems associated with your crooked teeth, placing veneers can give you a straighter-looking smile.
Lumineers can cover slightly crooked or misshapen teeth. However, we do not recommend this treatment for large tooth gaps, severe misalignment, or overcrowding. Dr. Sheen will evaluate your bite and oral health before confirming that Lumineers can meet your cosmetic goals.
Do Lumineers look natural?
Yes, Lumineers look natural. They are custom-made to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth. Because they are thin and made from high-quality porcelain, they blend in well with your existing teeth for a bright and natural-looking smile. People won’t even be able to tell you’re wearing them! Plus, since they reflect light like real teeth, Lumineers help your smile look smooth and seamless.
Are Lumineers permanent?
No, Lumineers are completely reversible. Our dentist will not need to grind down or compromise your teeth to place them. Lumineers are thinner than veneers, so they may not be as durable as porcelain veneers. Some patients may need to replace them periodically.
How do I care for my Lumineers?
Caring for your Lumineers is simple and similar to taking care of your natural teeth. You can brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to keep your Lumineers clean and prevent plaque buildup. Make sure you use non-abrasive toothpaste so it won’t scratch or damage the surface of your Lumineers. Remember to schedule regular check-ups and cleanings so we can monitor your Lumineers and overall oral health.
Can you damage Lumineers?
Yes, Lumineers can be damaged if you’re not careful. Although strong and durable, certain habits or actions can cause them to chip, crack, or wear down over time. Biting down on things like ice, hard candy, or your nails can cause Lumineers to crack or chip. When wearing Lumineers, you should avoid using your teeth to open packages or bottles, as this can put too much pressure on the Lumineers.
Teeth grinding can also wear down or break the Lumineers. A nightguard can help protect them. Failing to brush and floss regularly can lead to decay around the Lumineers, which could weaken them.
How long will my Lumineers last?
While good oral hygiene and regular dental care will affect the longevity of your treatment, most patients will enjoy their new smile for up to 20 years. However, you may need regular touch-ups to maintain your original Lumineers.
Are Lumineers painful?
The process is non-invasive and pain-free. Most patients report no discomfort during any part of the process, which requires no anesthesia or numbing. In addition, Lumineers do not require shaving down teeth or any adjustment to teeth. Reshaping teeth for veneers can increase the risk of pain due to exposure to the tooth’s nerves.
How are Lumineers different from regular veneers?
Lumineers and traditional veneers are both used to improve the appearance of your teeth, but they have some key differences:
- Thickness: Lumineers are much thinner than traditional veneers. They are often about as thin as a contact lens, which means they require less removal of your natural tooth enamel. Traditional veneers are thicker and usually need more enamel to be removed.
- Preparation: Because Lumineers are so thin, they often don’t require as much preparation of your teeth. Traditional veneers usually require more preparation. This can involve removing a layer of enamel to make space for the veneers.
- Reversibility: Lumineers can be more easily removed if needed, since they don’t involve as much alteration of your natural teeth. Traditional veneers are more permanent. They involve significant changes to your teeth.
- Procedure Time: The process of getting Lumineers is often quicker because there’s less preparation involved. Traditional veneers might take longer because of the additional steps needed to prepare the teeth.
Get Bright, Straight Teeth
Are you looking for an alternative to porcelain veneers in Annapolis, MD? Call Dr. Sheen for minimal or no-prep veneers today at (443) 482-5202. You can also schedule an appointment online.
Feel free to contact us if you have more questions or concerns about your office. We will be happy to help.