Lumineers in San Diego can cover up a wide variety of cosmetic imperfections, from stains to misshapen teeth, gaps between the teeth, uneven teeth, and more. Thanks to the unique, thin porcelain used to make Lumineers, they can often be placed without trimming your teeth. This makes Lumineers reversible. Unlike traditional veneers, there is no need to permanently remove any of your enamel.
What Are Lumineers?
Lumineers are a special type of porcelain veneer. In most ways, they are very similar to traditional veneers. Just like traditional veneers, they are tooth-shaped shells of porcelain, and they are designed to cover up the front surfaces of your teeth. This allows you to treat a wide variety of cosmetic imperfections, ranging from small chips to uneven teeth, severe staining, and more.
Preserve Your Natural Teeth
However, there is a big difference. Lumineers are a lot thinner than veneers. They use an advanced ceramic material that’s very strong but is nearly as thin as a contact lens (0.2mm). This means that San Diego Lumineers do not add as much bulk to your teeth.
Because of this, Lumineers can often be placed without removing any of your enamel, or with the removal of only a small amount of enamel. In contrast, traditional veneers require quite a bit of your natural enamel to be removed.
This is why Lumineers are also called “minimal prep” or “no-prep” veneers. They do not require your teeth to be trimmed. Not only does this simplify the procedure, but it means that Lumineers can be removed in the future if you ever change your mind. This is not possible with traditional veneers.
How Do Lumineers Work?
Lumineers work the same way that veneers do, and the treatment process is very similar. First, you’ll come to Origin Dental for an appointment with Dr. Victor Tran. He will examine your mouth and clean your teeth, then take impressions of your smile. These will be sent to a dental lab where your San Diego Lumineers will be made.
Then, you’ll come back to our office in 2-3 weeks to have your veneers placed. Dr. Tran will check the fit of each veneer, then apply a special liquid to your teeth to roughen them slightly. Then, your Lumineers will be bonded into place permanently using dental cement.
Lumineers Vs. Veneers – What’s A Better Choice?
This depends on a few different factors. If you have relatively mild cosmetic issues with your teeth and you do not want a permanent treatment or would prefer to avoid having some of your enamel drilled away, Lumineers may be a good choice. They offer fast results, are reversible, and the process is less invasive compared to traditional veneers.
However, Lumineers do have some limitations. Because they’re so thin, they are not always the best choice for treating teeth with deep stains or treating larger chips in the teeth. If you have severe cosmetic issues with your smile, traditional veneers may be a better choice.
FAQs
Do Lumineers hurt?
No, the Lumineers process is completely painless. Because they are ultra-thin—roughly the thickness of a contact lens—they can be bonded directly over your existing teeth. This eliminates the need for painful grinding, drilling, or shaving of your natural enamel, completely removing the need for local anesthesia.
How much do Lumineers cost?
The total cost of your Lumineers treatment depends on factors such as the number of teeth being treated, the complexity of your smile goals, and your specific anatomical needs. For an accurate, personalized price quote, we recommend scheduling a cosmetic consultation with our team at Origin Dental.
Are Lumineers covered by insurance?
Because Lumineers are classified as an elective cosmetic procedure designed primarily to improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile, they are generally not covered by dental insurance. However, our office provides flexible financing plans to help make your dream smile easily affordable.
How long do Lumineers last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, Lumineers are highly durable and can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. To maximize their longevity, avoid using your teeth as tools, skip chewing on hard objects like ice, and wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth.
Schedule Your Consultation
Still not sure what’s right for you? Contact Origin Dental. Dr. Victor Tran offers both traditional veneers and Lumineers in San Diego and Sorrento Valley. He can explain each treatment in further detail and examine your mouth to determine which treatment is the best option for your unique situation.
