Dental veneers can be the perfect 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®.
Considered a minimal or no prep dental veneer, Lumineers can be placed on your teeth with dramatic results in just two visits to our Annapolis dentist office. Lumineers are suitable to transform teeth that are:
- Discolored or stained
- Misshapen
- Damaged
- Chipped or cracked
- Gapped
- Worn down
- Too short or small
- Slightly Crowded
- Worn down
What are Lumineers?
Lumineers are made from ultra-thin, quality ceramic material. We will customize them to blend with your natural smile. They 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 will need to grind down your teeth to create room for the 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 procedure is minimally invasive because they are adhesively bonded to only the front of the tooth. Dr. Sheen will work with you to achieve a new smile with Lumineers that complements your overall appearance and addresses any cosmetic concerns you have.
The Benefits of Lumineers
Minimal prep veneers can add strength to damaged, chipped, or cracked teeth. Not addressing those issues can lead to further damage and irreversible degradation. 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.
In the event that you are unhappy with your results, you can simply have them removed, and your natural tooth will be intact and strong. They are long-lasting, with clinical tests proving that they will look great for about 20 years and sometimes even longer. Lumineers are also extremely durable and stain resistant.
One of the key benefits of the Lumineers is how easy the process is. This type of veneer requires minimal prep. Your dentist can also do this without needles, anesthetic, or discomfort.
What to Expect
The Lumineers process requires two visits to complete. The first step is a consult with Dr. Sheen to plan your treatment.
The first visit in your procedure will include dental impressions and color matching so that your final result is comfortable, natural-looking and will support your long-term dental health.
When your new veneers are complete and ready for final placement, we will schedule the second appointment. Dr. Sheen 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®)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Lumineers to get a straighter smile?
If there are no concerns or bite problems associated with your crooked teeth, the placement of veneers can give you a straighter looking smile. Dr. Sheen will evaluate your bite and overall oral health before confirming that Lumineers can meet your cosmetic goals.
Are Lumineers permanent?
No, Lumineers are completely reversible. The 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 periodically replace 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. 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 and require no anesthesia or numbing. The process does not require shaving down your teeth, or any adjustment to teeth.