Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Pros & Cons Of Lumineers

Few people are born with a perfect smile, although many desire one. It's impossible for most people to achieve the smile of their dreams through personal maintenance and cleaning, so many turn to cosmetic dentistry. There are a number of procedures a dentist can perform to improve a patient's smile, but those in the market for a quick, effective and painless procedure are often guided toward Lumineers.








History


Cosmetic dental procedures require a multitude of visits to a dentist's or orthodontist's office, and often a good deal of pain. Things like braces and traditional porcelain veneers were praised for their results but often dreaded for the path to them. Lumineers were developed to achieve the same perfect smile as traditional veneers, but to do so with as little pain and in as few visits as possible.








Cost


The price of the actual Lumineer often sounds high, at anywhere from around $750 to $1,500 a tooth, depending upon the specifics of each case, But the total of the overall procedure is usually comparable to more traditional porcelain veneers because there are fewer visits required and the procedure is much less labor-intensive. In terms of price, the amount of time and the results achieved between Lumineers and other cosmetic procedures is often considered well-worth the investment.


Results


Lumineers are one of the only cosmetic dentistry applications that can correct uneven, broken and discolored teeth both quickly and painlessly. Dramatic results occur more rapidly than with just about any other dental procedure, and if cared for properly, Lumineers can help keep a smile perfect for several years.


Warning


Though the procedure for installing Lumineers is often quick and easy, it's best to look for a dental practitioner who has a good deal of experience with the installation process. Lumineers are thinner than traditional porcelain veneers, which makes them more fragile. One of the best ways to prevent problems with your new smile is to ensure that they are installed properly by a trained and highly qualified professional.


Durability


One of the main concerns with Lumineers is their potential to crack or become damaged. Lumineers can last a long time, but even when cared for properly, there is always the potential for damage. If your Lumineers become damaged and need to be replaced, there is really no way to repair them, which can end up being very costly. The attachment to the existing tooth may also become loose and cause the Lumineer to break free, but if the Lumineer isn't damaged in the process, it can often be reattached

Tags: porcelain veneers, traditional porcelain, traditional porcelain veneers, become damaged, cared properly, cosmetic dentistry