Achieve a Perfect Smile With Lumineers
A bright, beautiful smile is something we all desire, and having perfect teeth is a key element of that. At Advanced Petrie Dental, we offer Lumineers, a modern, quick, and simple way to enhance your smile with minimal disruption to your natural teeth. These veneers are thinner than traditional porcelain veneers and require little to no tooth preparation, allowing you to achieve the look you want without invasive procedures.
Find out if Lumineers are the right cosmetic dental treatment for you by exploring our comprehensive guide below. You can also contact our Tacoma, WA, dental office by calling (253) 761-5422 to schedule a consultation.
What Are Lumineers?
Lumineers are a brand of ultra-thin dental veneers made from a patented type of porcelain known as Cerinate. These thin layers of porcelain are custom-made to fit over the surface of your teeth, improving their appearance without the need for extensive prep work. Lumineers can address a variety of aesthetic concerns, including gaps, chips, and stains.
Unlike traditional veneers, Lumineers are typically painless to apply and don’t require enamel removal. Because of their minimal thickness, Lumineers can be bonded directly to your natural teeth, often making the procedure reversible. With no extensive prep work, Lumineers offers a quick and easy way to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted—sometimes in as little as two visits.
Benefits of Lumineers
There are several benefits to choosing Lumineers for your smile transformation, including:
- Minimal tooth preparation: Lumineers require minimal to no enamel removal, preserving your natural tooth structure.
- Non-invasive: With no need for dental sedation or extensive reshaping, Lumineers are a pain-free and reversible option.
- Durability: Made from high-quality porcelain, Lumineers can last over 20 years with proper care.
- Stain resistance: The porcelain material is resistant to stains, keeping your smile bright and vibrant.
- Natural appearance: Lumineers mimic the look of natural teeth, offering a seamless and natural-looking smile.
Candidacy for Lumineers
To be a good candidate for Lumineers, you should meet the following criteria:
- Mild to moderate dental imperfections: Lumineers are perfect for individuals with minor cosmetic concerns such as discoloration, chipped teeth, or small gaps.
- Sufficient tooth enamel: You’ll need healthy tooth enamel to ensure proper bonding.
- Good oral health: It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene and have healthy gums to support the long-term success of Lumineers.
- Realistic expectations: Having an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of Lumineers is key to achieving the best results.
The Lumineers Process
Initial Consultation
The first step is a consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, you and your dentist will discuss your dental health and aesthetic goals. Your dentist will evaluate whether Lumineers are an appropriate treatment option for you.
Preparation
If you choose to move forward, we’ll take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental laboratory where your custom Lumineers will be crafted. Since Lumineers are only about 0.2 mm thick and highly translucent, there’s typically no need for extensive tooth reshaping or temporary veneers.
Application
Once your custom Lumineers are ready, you’ll return to our office for the bonding procedure. We’ll place the Lumineers on your teeth to check for the perfect fit and color, making any necessary adjustments.
Your teeth will then be cleaned and etched to ensure a strong bond and a special cement will be applied to attach the Lumineers. A curing light is used to harden the cement and bond the Lumineers to your teeth. Any excess cement is removed, and final adjustments are made as needed.
Follow-Up
After the procedure, we may schedule a follow-up visit to ensure your Lumineers are fitting comfortably and to address any questions you may have after the procedure.
How Much Do Lumineers Cost?
The cost of Lumineers can vary depending on several factors, including the number of teeth being treated, the complexity of the case, the location of the dental practice, and additional procedures required. Generally, Lumineers tend to be more expensive than traditional veneers due to their advanced technology and customization.
On average, the cost of Lumineers can range from $800 to $2,000 per tooth. It’s recommended to consult with your dentist to receive a personalized treatment plan and accurate cost estimate based on your specific needs and circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Lumineers be removed if needed?
Yes, Lumineers are a reversible cosmetic dental treatment. Since they require minimal tooth preparation, they can be removed without damaging your natural teeth. However, proper removal should always be done by a qualified dentist to ensure the preservation of your natural teeth.
Are Lumineers painful to get?
No, the Lumineers process is generally painless. With little to no tooth preparation needed, there’s usually no need for shots or anesthesia, making it a comfortable procedure. Some patients may experience mild sensitivity during the adjustment period, but this typically subsides quickly.
Lumineers Can Give You a Stunning Smile
Lumineers offer a convenient, natural-looking, and minimally invasive solution to improve the appearance of your teeth. With its many advantages over traditional veneers, Lumineers may be the perfect choice for achieving the smile of your dreams.
Contact our Tacoma dentist today to learn more about Lumineers and our cosmetic dentistry options. We proudly serve patients in Lakewood, Federal Way, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, and University Place.