What Are Lumineers®, and Do I Need Them?
Lumineers consist of a thin porcelain shell that fits over your tooth (or teeth) perfectly. It is kept in place by a bonding agent, effectively covering the visible areas of your tooth. At RSN Dental PC, we encourage our patients to consider Lumineers as a restorative option whenever possible.
Lumineers as Restorations
When you have stained, cracked, or chipped teeth, you need to decide whether you want to replace them or use Lumineers to restore them. At RSN Dental PC, we realize the many benefits of keeping your natural teeth intact and recommend that you select the restoration option whenever possible.
Cosmetic Fixes With Lumineers®
Lumineers are a great way to correct aesthetic issues, including staining or discoloration, gaps, chipped teeth, crooked teeth, or misshapen teeth. Opting for Lumineers keeps your natural teeth intact while finding the smile you want.
Veneers vs. Lumineers®
In order for veneers to be placed, portions of your tooth’s enamel must first be scraped away. This alteration to your teeth is permanent, which is why we recommend trying Lumineers before veneers. Not only is the scraping process damaging to your natural tooth, but it is also quite uncomfortable, with the discomfort lasting for several days. Lumineers are less invasive and do not require permanent altering of the tooth or teeth you are covering. Overall, the process is much more comfortable, faster, and reversible should you ever feel the need to do so. Additionally, Lumineers can last for an extensive amount of time—up to 20 years in some cases!
Other Benefits of Staten Island Lumineers
Lumineers are unique in that they are approximately 0.2 millimeters and highly translucent. This allows them to replicate the natural appearance of a tooth. Another advantage to using Lumineers, is that they are durable and remain resilient, lasting in some cases over 20 years. This can be far longer than other dental restorations. Additionally, with Lumineers there are typically no shots or need to use the dental drill.
The Process of Receiving Lumineers from RSN Dental PC
Once you have decided to improve your smile with Lumineers, you will need to visit our office to discuss the procedure. The procedure to get your Lumineers consists of two visits to an authorized certified Lumineers dentist. The first visit is the initial consultation, during which impressions of both your upper and lower teeth will be taken along with measurements. This information is sent to the Lumineers laboratory along with photographs and other records that you can provide. They are created on-site using your specific measurements to ensure that they fit perfectly and look natural. Unlike traditional veneers, you will not need any shots since there is no requirement to drill and remove the enamel. Also, you will not have to wear unsightly acrylic temporaries. The first visit to our Staten Island office is more consultative and getting the impression that we need in order to make sure that your Lumineers fit perfectly. Simultaneously, we will look at the color palette and other factors to make sure that once your Lumineers have been fitted and bonded into place, they look exactly the way you want them to. This final step will take place at your second, and final, appointment.
Note: It is important to remember that your Lumineers will function exactly the way your naturally occurring teeth would. There are no dietary restrictions and as long as you continue to keep your teeth clean and healthy, they should last for years to come.
Lumineers®—What to Expect
Once you have settled on Lumineers, make an appointment with our office to discuss the procedure further. This will take place on two separate visits. The first will be the initial consultation. Impressions will be taken and sent out for production. The second step is fitting and bonding the Lumineers once they have been constructed. It is important to remember that Lumineers will function just as your natural teeth do and will last for many years to come as long as you take proper care of them.