Lumineers®
How are they different from regular veneers?

I have been placing Lumineers® for almost fifteen years now. . . and I like them. But this begs the question: just how are they different from regular veneers?

To begin with, veneers are thin laminates of porcelain that are bonded to the teeth -- typically to correct chips, close spaces, fix discolorations, or even permanently whiten teeth. The number of applications has grown over the years as dentists have discovered exactly what can be done with them, and as materials have improved.

Traditionally, we shaved teeth down in order to provide a more ideal tooth shape and color. This usually involves anesthetizing the patient with multiple shots, grinding the tooth structure down to create an improved contour and appearance, and then wearing temporaries that don't have much retention until the permanent veneers arrived from the lab. While the final result was often quite beautiful, the process of getting there wasn't always so easy for the patient.

Lumineers® are not for everyone. First of all, you need to have teeth. But if you do, chances are you may be a candidate.

Most cases truly can be completed without any anesthesia. If your teeth are sensitive to eating or drinking before you start the procedure, however, you might be an exception to the rule. But if no adjustments to your teeth are necessary, you may still not need anesthesia.

Lumineers® claim no removal of sensitive tooth structure. This is a key difference. Some removal of tooth structure is occasionally necessary for an ideal result, but the amount is often so minimal, I have performed this without any anesthesia whatsoever and with no discomfort to the patient.

The number one benefit of Lumineers®, in my view, is that you don't have to sacrifice healthy tooth structure to give someone a great smile.  This also means you will have a stronger bond to the underlying tooth.  In the absence of external stressors, this means the veneer should also last you longer.  And Lumineers® do have a long track record of success for precisely this reason.

The other thing I like about this type of veneer is that the company is constantly seeking to improve its product, supporting materials, and even the delivery system.  What patients like is no needles!!!

 I just returned from what was probably my fourth Lumineers® seminar and was very impressed by the company's commitment to their product. 

Here is a picture of me with the seminar's hostess.  You may recognize her as Ashlan Gorse of E! News Now.  Ashlan has a naturally beautiful smile as you will see below:

Not all of us are born with naturally perfect smiles, though.  But, that's where I can help.  Did you know that 92% of Americans say that an attractive smile is an important social asset and that almost three quarters of all Americans believe that an unattractive smile can hurt their career success?

What do you want to change about your smile?  Call us for your Lumineers® consulation today!

by Richard J. Walicki, D.M.D. - November 15, 2009

Back to Top

Dr. Richard J. Walicki is a mercury-free Philadelphia dentist providing both general and cosmetic dentistry services.

Source: http://www.ToothWiz.com