Are you considering getting Lumineers to improve your smile?
When I see patients seeking a better smile, they often come to me after doing a great deal of research on cosmetic dentistry and porcelain veneers. In their research, they come across minimal-prep veneers, specifically Lumineers veneers. Lumineers is a big name in veneers and has earned name recognition because of their marketing efforts and the quality of product that they offer.
The appeal of Lumineers veneers is that you can adhere the veneer to the surface of the tooth much like a fake fingernail. The tooth does not have to be “prepared” – meaning enamel does not need to be removed – in order to place the veneer. Eager patients believe this is the gold standard of veneers, and request Lumineers by name.
However, not all patients are a good candidate for Lumineers veneers. In my experience, one in ten patients are a candidate for no-prep veneers and six out of ten patients are a candidate for minimal-prep veneers.
Who is a good candidate for Lumineers?
No-prep and minimal-prep veneers are only a good fit for patients with healthy teeth who need volume added to their smile. This can be patients who have had teeth removed, or have noticeable gaps between teeth.
Veneers are an additive procedure, and even the thinnest veneers will add volume to the tooth. Because Lumineers require little or no prep, adding them to an already full smile will result in a bulky looking aesthetic. This can appear unnatural and result in the Hollywood smile many people are trying to avoid.
Can I enhance my smile without Lumineers?
When I see patients interested in Lumineers veneers, it’s not so much that they want Lumineers. Rather, they want to enhance their smile through cosmetic dentistry. Lumineers are just the name that they know.
DURAthin veneers are another brand name that we use often in our office for no-prep and minimal-prep veneers. In my experience, DURAthins offer a more natural looking smile with the same benefits of Lumineers.
For patients with cavities and decay who are not a candidate for minimal-prep veneers, we can also enhance the smile with other cosmetic procedures. A combination of crowns and veneers can be placed to provide the same aesthetic as Lumineers, with the added strength of a more involved cosmetic procedure.
However, if you have not yet reached the point of terminal dentition a smile in a day is not recommended. There are many other options to explore before reaching this point that will provide a more predictable course of treatment and better outcomes.
Click here to learn more about the differences between veneers vs. Lumineers? Also, check out our FAQ page for answers to other common questions patients have about cosmetic dentistry.
If you’re interested in improving your smile, our team can help. Call our office at (813) 689-4226 or submit an online request to schedule your consultation today.
