I’ve Heard of Dental Veneers, But What Are Lumineers?
Lumineers are a thinner, stronger version of dental veneers; they are made from a highly durable form of porcelain called Cerinate. This makes them ideal for solving all sorts of long-term dental problems, such as gaps in the teeth, overcrowding, worn areas, and discolouration. Lumineers are fast becoming one of the most popular cosmetic treatments on the market; they are often used as part of an entire smile makeover, which transforms miss-aligned teeth into a flawless, white smile.
Are Lumineers Better Than Normal Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are still a good choice for anyone wanting to fix their teeth, and a good set can last a decade or more, but Lumineers are generally considered to be superior to the porcelain variety because they are so durable and natural looking. Although the two are both made from porcelain, Lumineers are made using Cerinate porcelain, which is a more durable, natural-looking alternative, because the material is so strong, it can be cut in much thinner layers, resulting in a less bulky appearance. Furthermore, due to their thickness – sometimes as little as 0.5mm – the veneers often require hardly any reshaping to the natural teeth, making the process completely reversible. It’s true that most patients who have Lumineers fitted wouldn’t dream of going back, but they don’t last forever, and if you don’t have enough money to have them redone after they start to wear away, you can easily have them removed. It’s also very reassuring for patients who aren’t convinced that dental veneers are for them, if they change their mind, the shells can be removed and they can return to their original state. It’s worth mentioning that there may still be some remodelling required so that the veneers can fit comfortably, but it’s almost certainly going to be less than with traditional methods – which often require the teeth to be shaved down significantly, until they resemble small pegs in the mouth.
Where Can I Get Lumineers?
Most cosmetic dentistry clinics will provide veneers of some kind, but not everyone is licensed to offer Lumineers to their patients, they have to be registered with the company that manufactures them – The Cerinate Smile Design Studio, based in the US. This is because they can only be made from the patented Cerinate porcelain, if they are going to be labelled as Lumineers, if they is no proof that the surgery you choose is registered to supply Lumineers, you could end up with a cheap imitation; the Cerinate shells are not available from anywhere else in the world. The Pearl Dental Clinic in London is fully registered with The Cerinate Smile Design Studio, and is licensed to use Lumineers in suitable cases, give them a call today to arrange a consultation.
My Teeth are Quite Crooked, Can I Get Lumineers?
You need to have your teeth assessed by a dental professional so your suitability can be determined. Lumineers are a very versatile tool that can carefully conceal a range of problems, but they won’t be appropriate for all patients, particularly those who have extreme miss-alignment. The idea of the thin Cerinate is to reduce the tooth preparation required, but if the teeth are very crooked, they will need to be re-shaped quite a lot anyway. If you would like Lumineers, but you have severely crooked teeth, your dentist may recommend some minor orthodontic work so that less of your natural teeth have to be removed beforehand. It’s left at the discretion of your dentist to decide whether you would benefit from some type of braces or Invisalign before the veneers are fitted, or whether it might be best to go down a different route. It’s sometimes difficult to hear that you will have to wait for your perfect smile, but as far as cosmetic dentistry is concerned, a little patience can go a long way.
If mild miss-alignment or stained enamel are your only problems, you should be able to have a set of Lumineers – providing you don’t have any other dental issues, such as gum disease or tooth decay.
How Long Do Lumineers Last?
As mentioned above, they consistently outlast their porcelain veneers counterparts, while remaining in near perfect condition. Unfortunately, they won’t last forever, but they should easily make it to the fifteen year mark and beyond. Porcelain veneers normally last for around ten years, and composite veneers only about five, so you can see there is a vast difference in performance between traditional methods and newer designs.
It’s important to remember that your teeth won’t look after themselves, however durable they are, you should maintain an appropriate cleaning regime – brushing and flossing daily, as well as attending regular check-ups with your dentist. This will keep your smile looking healthy, and help make sure your Lumineers have a long life expectancy. Although they are very hard wearing, it may also be beneficial to schedule several appointments with an oral hygienist, to clean those hard to reach areas.
How Much Do Lumineers Cost?
Lumineers are highly sought after and very successful, so they do tend to be more expensive than other types of veneers. Because they can only be manufactured in the US laboratory, the Cerinate veneers can cost as much as £800 per shell, although prices can vary from clinic to clinic. Having said that, don’t be tempted to go for the cheapest offer you get; where dentistry is concerned, you’re not just paying for the products, you are paying for the skill and experience of a qualified professional, who will have been properly trained to fit you with the right shade and size of veneers to make your smile look flawless. Much the same as with other cosmetic treatments, not all surgeons will have the same talent for their trade, so you should definitely do some research before going ahead with anything; find a dentist you are comfortable with, and who can show you evidence of their Lumineers before and after photos.
At Pearl dental clinic, Lumineers consultation costs only £49 and we provide FREE teeth whitening with 4 or more Lumineers/Porcelain/Ceramic Veneers.
You can spread the cost of your porcelain veneers treatment interest free with our 0% dental finance plans.
Pearl Dental Clinic is open 7 days a week from 9am to 10pm. You can book a Veneer Consultation appointment by calling us on 0208 547 9997 or emailing us or book an appointment online.