Modern dentists can now provide their patients with quick and pain-free treatments in order to restore their smile after any amount of damage, intrinsic discoloration, decay, or misalignment has taken place. It was not many years ago that many individuals were forced to either accept their second-rate smile or go through invasive treatments that were often irreversible. For these individuals, Lumineers now provide one of the most effective options for a complete smile restoration. Here is a look at these advanced appliances as well as some of the advantages that they have over traditional porcelain veneers.
Veneers have remained a typical restorative treatment for many years and were usually one of the best options for those that were struggling with cosmetic problems. This included common problems such as minor gaps, unevenly spaced teeth, intrinsic discoloration, chips, fractures, or unevenly sized teeth. Although brushing, flossing, and regular trips to the dentist were key steps in preserving a beautiful and healthy smile, some patients would notice these types of conditions at some point in their life.
The process of creating both veneers and Lumineers is rather similar. The dentist will first check the teeth and gums to make sure that there are no abnormalities that may affect the final results. If the patient is diagnosed with severe tooth decay or gum disease, these conditions may need to be treated previous to the application of the dental veneers. The dentist will then take accurate measurements of the teeth and send these specifications off to a specialty manufacturer.
During the patient's second visit, the custom-made veneers are applied directly to the front of the teeth with a powerful bonding solution that would usually keep them in place for upwards of 15 years. These dental appliances could completely restore a smile, however they did come with a few drawbacks. Due to the nature of porcelain, the veneers had to be rather thick to makeover the appearance of the smile and prevent chips or fractures. This meant that the dentist would have to alter the outer enamel of the teeth as well as the gums, usually requiring shots as well.
Lumineers are similar to these traditional veneers, however they are made of a much more durable mixture of porcelain and an advanced resin. This means that the Lumineers are extremely thin and the dentist will not need to alter the enamel of the teeth or the gums. Individuals could avoid any irreversible damage as well as the need for shots. With the proper aftercare, many individuals will be able to enjoy their new set of Lumineers for 12 to 15 years. This includes daily brushing, flossing, and the use of mouth wash as well as avoiding placing any excessive pressure on the Lumineers.