Lumineers® are similar to porcelain veneers but they are thinner. This allows Lumineers® to be applied to the surfaces of the teeth without altering the natural tooth enamel. Like porcelain veneers, Lumineers® can conceal flaws such as chips, cracks, gaps, and discoloration or stains. However, because of the thin material, Lumineers® are more limited in their application and have a limited candidacy.
Lumineers® are a Brilliant Way to Achieve a Dazzling Smile
At 4Excellence in Dentistry, we are dedicated to giving each of our patients a smile that he or she will be proud to share with the world. We provide Lumineers® at our Levittown practice, offering patients the opportunity to transform their smiles without altering the structure of their natural teeth. Lumineers® offer all of the benefits of traditional; however, they are so thin that they require no preparation of the tooth before application. For suitable candidates, Lumineers® are a potentially ideal addition to their smile makeovers.
The Lumineers® Difference
Lumineers® are about the same thickness as a contact lens. This allows them sit naturally against the teeth without appearing bulky or artificial. In most cases, this also eliminates the need for tooth preparation. This means that our patients can have Lumineers® applied without the removal of tooth enamel that is necessary to accommodating traditional porcelain veneers. Unlike their traditional counterparts, Lumineers® require just a simple etching of the tooth’s surface in order to create a strong bonding surface. With Lumineers® in place, patients can enjoy a beautiful smile free from cosmetic flaws.
Candidacy for Lumineers®
For all of their benefits, Lumineers® are not for everybody. Because they are so thin, they are not as effective as traditional porcelain veneers at concealing certain cosmetic flaws. Lumineers® are best suited to concealing minor:
- Stains and other types of tooth discoloration
- Chips and cracks
- Gaps between the teeth
- Inconsistencies in shape or length
Conversely, Lumineers® may not be a good option for patients with significant alignment problems or large spaces separating the teeth. Those patients who are not good candidates for Lumineers®, however, are likely still good candidates for traditional porcelain veneers. There are many benefits associated with Lumineers® that you can consider and contrast with other treatments.
The Placement of Lumineers®
As with porcelain veneers, the placement of Lumineers® can be completed in just two dental visits. During the first appointment, our dentists make molds of the teeth and determine the ideal size, shape, and color of the Lumineers®. The specifications are then sent to a trusted laboratory where the Lumineers® will be fabricated. No preparation should be required at this first appointment, so there should be no need to place any temporary restorations on the teeth.
Within a couple of weeks, the Lumineers® are returned to the practice, and the patient comes into our office for his or her second appointment. Before the Lumineers® are applied, they are “tried on for size” to test their fit. When we are satisfied with the fit, the surfaces of the teeth are lightly etched, and Lumineers® are bonded to the teeth with a special cement that hardens upon exposure to a curing light. With proper care, Lumineers® can last for up to 20 years.
What do Lumineers® Cost?
We offer the best value in General and Cosmetic Dentistry on Long Island. We don’t just say it, we mean it. You have heard about Lumineers and would love a beautiful smile. Lumineers are actually a type of Porcelain Veneer that requires little or no drilling. Lumineers are a great choice for discolored, crooked, or spaced teeth. They are not for everybody, but when they are done perfectly, the results are beautiful. But what will that new beautiful smile cost?
A fair range of cost on Long Island for Lumineers might be $1150 to $1450 per tooth. The cost is based on how many teeth you want to include and how difficult the case is. It is very important with Lumineers that the dentist gives you the right advice and tells you what options you have.
- We do NOT charge for a Consultation even if a few X-rays are taken.
- We include straightening of your teeth or closing the spaces in with the fee.
- We do NOT charge more for the Premium Bleached Shades.
- We do NOT charge more for beautiful custom temporaries.
- We do NOT charge to show you in your mouth how Lumineers or Veneers will look.
- We include Tooth Whitening on your bottom teeth at NO charge.
- We offer monthly payment plans and we do NOT ask for payment in full up front like other offices.
We at 4Excellent In Dentistry are “real people” and we live up to that every day. At this office your Porcelain Lumineers or Veneers will be done by one of our Dentists, who specializes in Cosmetic Dentistry. They will tell you what they feel is best for you, but will give you a choice when possible. A special “thank you” to our Cosmetic Dentistry patients that give us the best “Reviews and Ratings” year after year.
Take a look at some “Before and After” Cosmetic Dentistry cases. You should know your OPTIONS and what choices you have.
Want a spectacular Hollywood Smile? Come see us.
On a budget? Come see us and we will make it happen!
Understanding the Benefits and Risks of LUMINEERS® Long Island
Like traditional veneers, LUMINEERS® are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth to correct a number of cosmetic imperfections. LUMINEERS® differ from standard veneers since they are extremely thin, meaning that little, if any, enamel needs to be removed prior to their placement. If you are considering a cosmetic dental treatment, you may be wondering about the benefits and risks of LUMINEERS®. At our Levittown practice, Drs. Lewis Ricciuti, James Albanese, and Jennifer Moore can answer your questions, as well as determine your candidacy for the procedure. To learn more, contact 4Excellence in Dentistry and schedule an appointment today.
What are LUMINEERS®?
LUMINEERS® are incredibly thin shells of porcelain, about the thickness of a contact lens, that are customized and attached to teeth to improve their appearance. Thanks to their minimal size, your dentist will remove little to no enamel from your teeth during their preparation.
At your first visit, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth, which lab technicians will use to fabricate custom-designed restorations. Once the LUMINEERS® are finished, your dentist will check their fit and appearance, and the surface of your teeth will be lightly etched. Next, a bonding agent will be applied and the dentist will affix your LUMINEERS® using specialized dental cement.
The Benefits of LUMINEERS®
If you want to improve the appearance of your smile, there are a number of reasons to consider LUMINEERS®:
Aesthetics: LUMINEERS® look extremely natural, and are crafted to match the natural color and shape of your teeth.
Durability: With proper care, LUMINEERS® can last 20 years or more.
Convenience: Your dentist can apply these restorations in just two office visits. Additionally, LUMINEERS® are easy to care for if you maintain good oral hygiene and attend your biannual checkups and cleanings.
Multiple Applications: In a single treatment, these restorations can address many concerns, including discoloration, gaps between teeth, chips, and cracks.
Minimal Tooth Preparation: With LUMINEERS®, you can retain more of your healthy tooth structure. Because your dentist will need to remove very little enamel, LUMINEERS® are a reversible procedure. If the porcelain loosens or comes off, you can still enjoy full functionality.
Psychological Benefits: If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your teeth, LUMINEERS® can help you smile with confidence.
The Risks of LUMINEERS®
LUMINEERS® are a very low-risk procedure; especially since most of your natural tooth structure will remain intact. When an inexperienced dentist places them, LUMINEERS® can appear overdone or unrealistic. The doctors at our practice have years of experience, and will ensure your LUMINEERS® are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Patients should be aware that although LUMINEERS® can last for many years, they are not a permanent dental solution. If one of the restorations is damaged or comes off, you can retain the function of your bite, but the appearance of your smile may be compromised, requiring your LUMINEERS® to be replaced.