Lumineers

What Are Lumineers?

Lumineers are a reversible alternative to traditional veneers. Both lumineers and veneers are porcelain shells that cover the front-facing surface of your teeth to cover up aesthetically displeasing or slightly-damaged teeth. 

No-prep Lumineers are made out of an ultra-thin porcelain material that doesn’t require any shaving of your natural enamel. Traditional veneers are much thicker and require .5 mm of your enamel to be shaven off permanently, which requires you to cover your enamel for the rest of your life. 

If you’re interested in improving the appearance of your teeth and overall smile without committing to permanently altering your natural enamel, then Lumineers are a great option for you. To find out if you’re a good candidate for lumineers, contact us at Harbor Family Dental today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ryan Wallrich.

Benefits of Lumineers

If you change your mind down the line, you can have your Lumineers removed and your natural teeth will be unaltered. Lumineers are perfect for patients who want to cover up dental imperfections without committing to a lifetime of altered enamel. Lumineers can cover up the following problems:

  • Discoloration

  • Gaps

  • Crooked teeth

  • Minor chips & cracks

  • Worn down enamel

  • Misshapen teeth

  • Teeth that are too long or too short

What Is The Process Like?

The Lumineers process begins with a consultation with Dr. Wallrich, who will assess your teeth and gums to ensure you’re in good enough oral health for Lumineers. You may not be a good candidate if you have severely discolored or chipped teeth because Lumineers are thinner than traditional veneers. 

If everything checks out, we’ll take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab so they can create your custom set of Lumineers. The impressions of your teeth will serve as a guide for color and shape and how your bite fits together. The construction of Lumineers typically takes a few weeks.

Unlike traditional veneers, you won’t need to wear temporary veneers while you wait because your enamel will remain unaltered. Once your veneers are ready, you’ll return to Harbor Family Dental to have them bonded to your teeth and polished.

How Long Do Lumineers Last?

Lumineers can last for 10-20 years depending on your oral hygiene, wear and tear, and how well you care for them. They are less porous than natural teeth, making them more, but not completely, resistant to staining. However, much like your natural teeth, Lumineers can become damaged, chipped, and cracked over time.  To ensure your Lumineers last as long as possible, you should:

  • Limit your consumption of staining foods and drinks

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristle brush

  • Floss once a day

  • Use non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste

  • Get regular dental cleanings & checkups

  • Don’t use your teeth as tools

  • Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth

  • Avoid chewing hard & sticky foods

  • Drink staining drinks with a straw

  • Rinse your mouth out after consuming staining foods/drinks