Beautiful Smiles with Lumineers From Your Dentist in Centralia and Chehalis
Teeth staining, discoloration, and small chips and cracks are common dental problems many people face. Thankfully, today at Ash & Roberts, DDS, there’s an easy, pain-free, and highly durable solution to improve your smile: Lumineers.
What are Lumineers?
To understand the concept, we first need to understand what veneers are. Veneers are a purely cosmetic dental service offered by your dentist in Centralia to make your teeth appear whiter and straighter. Veneers are typically made of either porcelain or composite resin material to cover up stained, discolored, or damaged teeth.
Lumineers are a type of veneer that are ultra-thin, durable, and faster to apply than regular veneers. Traditional veneers are usually about 0.5mm thick — Lumineers are 0.2mm thick.
Should I Get Lumineers?
They are an excellent option for you if you have the following:
- Moderately stained or discolored teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Unwanted gaps
- Crooked teeth
- Fragile teeth that are not strong enough for traditional veneers
They are a fast, durable alternative to braces, teeth whitening, and other dental treatments.
Lumineers vs. Veneers | What’s The Difference?
Both Lumineers and veneers involve fixing porcelain shells to damaged teeth to protect them and restore a natural, healthy appearance. They hide dental flaws and improve the patient’s smile. Both are strong, durable, and easy to maintain; neither option should stain over time. Both options are comfortable and look natural. Read here to learn more.
However, there are some differences:
Veneers:
- Last 10-20 years
- About 5mm of natural tooth must be removed by your dentist in Centralia in Chehalis to make room for the veneers, including protective enamel, leaving the tooth sensitive and unprotected.
- Veneers are thicker and more resistant than Lumineers.
- Made from traditional porcelain
- Treatment is usually completed in two appointments.
- Permanently impacts your tooth enamel.
Lumineers:
- Typically last 8-20 years
- Don’t require any shaping or grinding of the teeth for application. The patient will not suffer from increased sensitivity, as the entire enamel is left intact.
- They are made from more resistant porcelain to compensate for being thinner.
- They may look and feel bulkier than veneers.
- Treatment can be completed in one appointment.
- Removable by a dentist with minimal effect on your teeth
Do Lumineers Ruin Your Teeth?
Porcelain veneers require the teeth to be thinned and shaped beforehand to fit and look like natural teeth. During the thinning process, some of the tooth enamel is removed, leaving a lasting impact on your teeth.
Lumineers, on the other hand, don’t require tooth thinning or shaping before the application process. Your dentist can apply and remove them anytime without damaging your teeth.
What Should I Expect From The Lumineers Procedure?
If you’re considering getting Lumineers or want to learn more, our experienced team is here to help!
- First, we’ll invite you for a consultation to discuss your goals, review the procedure, and help determine if Lumineers is the right treatment option.
- Next, we make a detailed model of your mouth to help us create your customized veneers.
- We place the Lumineers securely in place over your teeth.
- Enjoy your new smile after just one appointment.
How Do I Care For Lumineers?
With proper dental care, they can last for 20 years and beyond. And because they are made to mimic natural teeth, they are best cared for in the same way.
To make the most out of your new smile and to keep your oral health happy for as long as possible — we recommend maintaining a good oral hygiene routine by:
- Brushing teeth twice a day for at least two minutes
- Flossing daily
- Avoiding highly sugary or acidic food and beverages
- Visiting the dentist for regular 6-month cleanings and exams
Do I Need to Avoid Certain Foods With Lumineers?
Although Lumineers are incredibly strong, durable, and stain-resistant, these darker-hued foods and beverages may still cause them to stain or dull over time.
- Coffee and tea
- Red wine
- Tomato sauces
- Soy sauce
- Balsamic vinegar
- Dark sodas
- Sports and energy drinks
- Candy
Get Your Lumineers From Your Dentist in Centralia and Chehalis!
Veneers and Lumineers address the same concerns but have some crucial differences. Veneers need more preparation and are more invasive and irreversible, but they can handle more cosmetic problems. Follow this link to learn more. Lumineers are reversible and don’t require preparation, but they’re not suitable for all cosmetic concerns.
Your dentist in Centralia and Chehalis, WA, will examine your teeth and recommend the ideal option for your specific needs and goals. Schedule an appointment at Ash & Roberts DDS, for quality dental care today!