The Pros and Cons of Lumineers®
Do you feel like your smile lacks some sparkle? If so, cosmetic dentistry could be the answer to your troubles. Among other procedures, veneers are ideal for repairing moderate damage to teeth, such as staining and tooth chips. But most patients don’t like the idea of its irreversible nature.
More tooth enamel has to be trimmed down for the veneer to fit perfectly. A part of the tooth’s enamel may be damaged, making the procedure irreversible. If that’s what is getting in your way for a brighter smile, you can still benefit from Lumineers®.
What are Lumineers?
Lumineers are a thinner type of traditional veneer. It’s a thin shell-like coating placed over a tooth to hide or repair the damage. Thanks to the thin nature of the Lumineers, less or no tooth shaping is required for it to fit perfectly. It is easier and more preservative than standard veneers and crowns. On average, a standard veneer measures about 0.5 millimeters thick, while Lumineers measure about 0.3 millimeters.
Pros and Cons of Lumineers
Pros of Lumineers
- Natural-looking
Lumineers enhance your smile if you have cracked, chipped, gapped, uneven, or stained teeth. The veneer mimics the natural color of your teeth, making it invisible to notice when you’re eating, laughing, or chewing. If installed perfectly, it will be hard for people to notice.
- It’s painless, quick, and comfortable
Getting Lumineers doesn’t require you to wear a temporary one before placing the permanent Lumineers. Besides, minimal tooth preparation is needed, making the procedure easy, fast, and comfortable. You might not even need an anesthetic.
- It’s reversible
If you change your mind about Lumineers, you can easily undo the treatment. Little or no tooth shaping is required during the treatment procedure, thereby leaving the tooth’s structure intact. Removing the Lumineers won’t pose any problem to your natural tooth. The dentist trims down more of the tooth’s enamel with standard veneers and crowns, making them irreversible.
- It’s durable
When well installed and maintained, Lumineers are durable. Some health professionals claim that Lumineers can resist microleakage better than traditional veneers. Based on the location of the tooth and the patient’s dental habits, Lumineers lasts for about 5-10 years or more.
- Lumineers are less invasive
Compared to alternative procedures such as dental crowns and veneers, Lumineers are very thin. Therefore, if necessary, only a slight tooth shaving is required to fit the Lumineers. It preserves more of the natural tooth’s structure. Much shaving of the tooth destroys its structure, weakening the tooth and making it vulnerable to cavities.
- Affordable
Compared to alternative methods of repairing tooth damage, such as dental crowns, Lumineers offer a simple yet affordable way to enhance your smile.
Cons of Lumineers
Like any other dental procedure, Lumineers come with disadvantages. These include:
- The thin nature could be a problem
While the thin nature of Lumineers can be beneficial, it can also be a problem. For instance, Lumineers might not be ideal for hiding severe staining on teeth. It also doesn’t provide as much strength as a standard veneer. Your dentist will examine whether you’re fit for Lumineers.
- Not as durable
Compared to treatments such as dental veneers and crowns, Lumineers aren’t as durable. They might need replacing sooner. Lumineers should last for about 5-10 years or more with good care.
- Not ideal for all patients
While Lumineers might look like an excellent way to repair tooth damage, not all patients can benefit from them. For instance, Lumineers aren’t ideal for repairing significant teeth damage. Similarly, people who grind their teeth might not be suitable for Lumineers. Visit a Lumineers dental practice office near you to determine whether you can benefit from Lumineers.
Final Verdict
Lumineers offers you a simple, quick, effective, and affordable way to repair minor tooth damage. Whether your tooth has cracked, chipped, or stained, contact Hammond Pond Dental Group today for dental Lumineers services. You’ll work with our specialists to determine the best way to enhance your beautiful smile.