What are the Differences Between Lumineers and Traditional Veneers?
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Veneers are a tooth restoration treatment that allow patients to enjoy an improved smile. Made of ceramic or porcelain, they conceal imperfections, and look and feel like natural teeth. Although veneers are a great option for many patients, they don’t always work for patients who have weakened or eroded enamel. Dr. Michaela Tozzi is a board-certified doctor of dental medicine who is highly trained in diagnosing and treating oral health conditions. At her Las Vegas, NV office, Dr. Tozzi offers patients minimal-prep veneers, also known as lumineers®, that do not require the removal of existing enamel.
How are Lumineers different from traditional veneers?
Lumineers are made of an extremely thin ceramic material called Cerinate, which was created specifically for this cosmetic process. This unique porcelain has the same benefits as porcelain veneers. However, it doesn’t require any tooth preparation, enabling more of the natural teeth to be preserved. Candidates for lumineers must have enough tooth enamel for Cerinate to successfully bond.
This alternative to traditional porcelain veneers lets patients spend less time in the dentist’s chair. During your first visit to our Las Vegas, NV office, Dr. Tozzi will create a custom-made mold that matches the shade and shape of your natural teeth. Adhesion and minor adjustments will b made at your follow-up visits when the lumineers are applied. Unlike veneers, temporaries are not needed with Lumineers.
What can lumineers correct?
Dr. Tozzi uses lumineers to help patients in Las Vegas, NV correct:
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Worn tooth enamel
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Uneven spacing or alignment
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Crowded or damaged teeth
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Discoloration or stains
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Chips or cracks
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Crooked teeth (as an alternative to braces or Invisalign®)
Ultimately, as a cosmetic dentistry option, they help to create white, straight, and aligned smiles. They protect the surface of damaged teeth and eliminate the need for extensive and costly procedures. Since lumineers are resistant to stains, patients enjoy a white smile for a long time.
Do lumineers hurt?
There are no injections or grinding down of enamel, usually resulting in a pain-free process. Once your lumineers are bonded, there is rarely post-treatment sensitivity, which can be experienced by some of our traditional veneer patients. For those who want a reversible procedure, lumineers can be removed, leaving your natural teeth strong and intact. With proper care, they can last up to 20 years.
Can lumineers damage teeth?
Many factors determine whether or not lumineers can damage teeth, ranging from preparation to the frequency of follow-up appointments. In terms of preparation, when the tooth is modified, it alters the integrity of a tooth. This increases the chance of leaks. Therefore, it is important to maintain a regular schedule of dental exams, enabling Dr. Tozzi to monitor the placement of your lumineers. During the application process, if lumineers are not blended perfectly, there is a chance of gum inflammation. Therefore, it is important to choose a doctor who is highly trained and experienced, like Dr. Tozzi, to perform cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as lumineers.
Caring for lumineers
The most important thing to consider with lumineers is that they don’t last forever. This makes it important to efficiently care for them. While you don’t have to change what you eat, you will need to maintain a regular at-home oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing at least twice daily and flossing once a day. Regular dental exams and routine dental cleanings are also important since they let Dr. Tozzi know when you’re due for a replacement. By taking better care of your teeth, they will take better care of you.
Learn if lumineers are a viable option for your smile
When you’re looking for ways to improve your smile, Michaela Tozzi, DMD offers many cosmetic dentistry options. She is experienced in helping her patients in Las Vegas, NV to repair their smile. During a smile makeover consultation, she can listen to your concerns, review available treatment options, and determine whether or not lumineers are right for you. To schedule a consultation and to begin the process of achieving your dream smile, call our professional team today!