Are you interested in Lumineers? Some people say this brand of porcelain veneers isn’t good for your teeth, while others love it. Before you make a decision, consider three facts about Lumineers.
- How Lumineers Work
Lumineers is a brand name of ultra-thin veneers. But there are many other brands and types of ultra-thin veneers that are manufactured by both large laboratories and local dental labs. For example, the Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry uses their own brand—Pearls veneers because Dr. Debra King feels the results are superior.
Ways Ultra-Thin Veneers Enhance Your Smile
- Brighter, even tooth coloring
- Repair chips
- Close gaps
- Create a uniform celebrity smile
Pearls ultra-thin veneers
- Ultra-Thin Veneers Are a No-Prep or Low-Prep Option
Traditional porcelain veneers have long been in use to create smile makeovers. A porcelain shell is applied over the front of a tooth and slightly grips the sides and biting surface. In order for the shells to fit naturally and to create uniformity, some tooth structure has to be removed, but this is usually only a millimeter or so—a very small amount of enamel. If a particular tooth projects forward more than adjacent teeth, or if it isn’t straight, a little more tooth structure will be removed to make the tooth appear straight after a veneer is applied to it.
Not every patient needs drastic changes to their teeth, and in those cases, ultra-thin veneers are very useful. They are about the thickness of a fingernail. Some brands indicate that their veneers can be placed without the dentist preparing teeth or removing any structure. But in many cases, placing a veneer over a tooth creates excess bulk. Aesthetics are often compromised, and patients are generally unhappy with the results. Because of this, ultra-thin veneers are often used as a low-prep, or no-prep option. At the Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, Pearls veneers requires minimal to no reduction of your tooth structure. Our dentists will determine the amount of your tooth structure, if any, that needs to be removed for the most natural-looking results.
Changes to your teeth are permanent
When porcelain veneers are placed, regardless of whether they are traditional, low-prep, or no-prep, the tooth structure is permanently changed. Even with no-prep veneers, the surface of the tooth is etched, or roughened, so the porcelain shell will adhere to it. The change is permanent, which means that even if you later decide you don’t want porcelain veneers anymore, you will always need some form of cosmetic dentistry to cover the tooth.
- Are Lumineers Safe?
Although Lumineers are a safe, minimally-invasive approach for a smile makeover, at the Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, our dentists use Pearls ultra-thin veneers to produce superior results. They find that Lumineers can leave your teeth looking opaque, bulky, and unnatural.
Although ultra-thin veneers are often the best option for a smile transformation, they are not appropriate for every situation. Traditional veneers might produce better results for your case. Our dentists will explain the results you can expect with either type of veneers.
Schedule a Smile Design Consultation
If would like to know how Pearls can give you even better results than Lumineers, schedule a smile design consultation. Dr. King or one of our skilled cosmetic dentists will perform a thorough evaluation, discuss your goals, and make treatment recommendations for your smile makeover. Call us at 404-994-4509, or request an appointment online.