Did you know ancient Roman civilizations thought urine could brighten their smiles? You read that correctly—Romans believed the ammonia in urine could be used as a bleaching agent. Clearly, humans have gone to great lengths throughout history to improve their teeth, and for good reasons (albeit not the most sanitary methods). We often see a bright white smile as a symbol of attractiveness and success. It also boosts confidence, making us more comfortable showing our teeth. Fortunately for present generations, we don’t need extreme, unsanitary techniques for a nicer smile. With advancements in dental technology, options like dental Lumineers provide a hygienic and long-lasting way to enhance your teeth.
Lumineers® are an easy way to enhance your smile. With restorative and cosmetic benefits, Lumineers can even be a great alternative to traditional dental veneers, depending on your dental situation.
The Difference Between Dental Lumineers and Traditional Veneers
There are a few reasons why patients choose dental Lumineers® over traditional veneers. For starters, Lumineers are thinner than standard porcelain veneers, measuring roughly 0.3 mm—about as thick as a contact lens. These ultra-thin shells make the procedure less invasive because it requires minimal to no removal of tooth enamel.
Because Lumineers require minimal tooth preparation, they can be reversed—unlike traditional veneers, which are more permanent due to enamel removal.
While they may not last as long as standard veneers, Lumineers are still highly durable with proper care. Maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding habits like teeth grinding and smoking can help them last anywhere from five to 20 years.
Lumineers aren’t just an excellent option because of their simple procedure. They also enhance your smile’s look while offering some protection for your natural teeth.
Cosmetic and Restorative Issues Lumineers Address
Dental Lumineers® can address many dental issues. They can make cosmetic improvements to your smile by masking tooth discoloration or stains. In addition, Lumineers close gaps between teeth and correct minor misalignments without the need for braces. They reshape misshapen teeth and improve their uniformity, helping you achieve an aesthetically pleasing smile.
Along with cosmetic benefits, Lumineers have restorative perks too. Take a cracked or chipped tooth, for example. If left untreated, a cracked or chipped tooth can cause pain and sensitivity when biting or chewing. Sharp edges of chipped teeth can even lead to cuts and abrasions inside your mouth that can cause infections. Cracks can also be problematic, as they create spaces where bacteria can accumulate, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Dental Lumineers can conceal and protect damaged teeth and prevent these problems from happening.
In addition, dental Lumineers can strengthen and restore fractured teeth. Aside from cosmetic concerns, broken teeth can make eating difficult and can even lead to gum disease. Left untreated, damaged teeth can increase the need for more extensive treatments like root canals or extractions. That’s why it’s so essential to repair broken teeth. Lumineers offer a reliable solution to restore function and appearance before the problem worsens.
With Lumineers, you get both a beautiful smile and strong, durable teeth—making them a popular choice among patients. Their impressive results and simple, non-invasive process make them a great solution for various dental concerns.
The Process for Lumineers
At the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Cleveland, TN, we partner with DenMat Lab to provide high-quality porcelain Lumineers®. The process is simple and pain-free. It begins with a free consultation, where we examine your teeth and take a mold of your mouth. At this visit, we’ll also help you choose the perfect shade to enhance your smile.
Next, we will send the mold to DenMat Lab, where they will craft your custom-fabricated Lumineers. After we receive them, we will bond the shells to your teeth, using a specialized light to set the bonding agent. We’ll make any necessary adjustments and polish your new teeth to give you a bright, beautiful smile. At the end of your visit, you’ll be ready to go out and show off your gorgeous new smile.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today for Dental Lumineers
You don’t need extreme Roman methods to achieve a beautiful smile! Thanks to advancements in dental technology, our team at the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry can give you a flawless smile you’re eager to show off. Whether you want to conceal unsightly stains or fix broken teeth, our team has you covered.
Book a free consultation with one of our expert dentists to get the smile you deserve!
