We get a lot of questions about Lumineers. They are heavily marketed, so they have name recognition. It is important to know that Lumineers are simply a brand of porcelain veneers. Many dentists promote them to their patients because they are a high profit item that doesn’t require much work or time in the dental chair. Though Dr. Potts is certified to place Lumineers and does occassionally use them, he actually prefers other brands. We’ll explain why.
The advertisements for Lumineers stress the fact that they are ultra-thin and therefore do not require any tooth preparation. It is true that they can be placed without any prep; however, they will look a little bulky and will be about two millimeters longer than your other teeth. What you may not realize is Lumineers are not the only ultra-thin brand of porcelain veneers. One of the benefits of using a different brand is the laboratory. Lumineers are made by the Den-Mat Corporation, which insists they can only be made at that particular lab. Many cosmetic dentists do not feel like their lab is very artistic. You can get much nicer results with a different laboratory, which can only be done with a different brand.
Alternatives to Lumineers
- Other brands of porcelain veneers—There are many choices when it comes to porcelain veneers. Whether you want to go with the traditional size of veneers or prefer the ultra-thin brands, Dr. Potts can help you determine which brand has the specific properties to create the smile you desire.
- Invisalign— One of the benefits of veneers is they can make crooked teeth appear straight in just two appointments. No one wants to wear ugly, bulky braces for a couple of years. However, now you can wear Invisalign. These aligners are not visible even at a conversational distance, which means no one will know you are wearing them. They also work in less than half the time of traditional braces.
- Dental Bonding— For small chips or gaps, you might consider dental bonding instead of veneers. With this procedure a small amount of white composite material is bonded directly to your teeth. It is not a good solution for large repairs, but can save you money if all you’re wanting to do is close a small gap, or fill in a slightly chipped tooth.
If you’re looking to change your smile, you may call our office at (847) 362-6540 to schedule an appointment, or if you prefer you may click here to request an appointment online.