Veneers

Veneers

Lumineers

Lumineers are similar to dental veneers, but they require less preparation and less removal of your tooth enamel. Lumineers and dental veneers are used to cover the visible surface of your tooth to hide small imperfections. These include stains, discolorations or small gaps. They can also be used to lengthen or straighten your teeth. Both Lumineers and dental veneers are naturally stain resistant. While there are similarities between the two, there are also some key differences.

Unlike dental veneers, Lumineers do not require the use of needles or drilling. There is no pain involved because Lumineers do not require that any of your tooth enamel be removed. This also means that Lumineers, unlike dental veneers, are reversible. They are ultra-thin and very translucent. Because of this translucence, they are able to replicate the natural color of your enamel. Lumineers are very durable and can last as long as 20 years. Just like dental veneers, they are custom made to fit your mouth.

If your teeth have dark stains or drastic discoloration, you are probably not a good candidate for Lumineers. With the translucent quality of Lumineers, these stains will likely show through. Also, if you bite or clench their teeth, you can risk fracturing the edges of your Lumineers and should consider dental veneers.

Compared to traditional dental veneers, Lumineers are much thinner and can be put in place without removing any of your tooth. They offer a perfect solution if you have sensitive teeth. Finally, there is no need to undergo a painful or uncomfortable procedure. Lumineers offer:

• A painless procedure
• Increased convenience
• No additional sensitivity for your teeth
• A quick and easy procedure

Porcelain Veneers

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are tiny porcelain shells that fit over chipped, broken or misaligned teeth, masking imperfections and giving the appearance of a balanced, white smile. Veneers are custom-crafted in a dental laboratory and then bonded to your natural teeth. Since veneers are made of dental-grade porcelain and cover the entire front of your tooth, they completely change your tooth’s appearance.

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are custom made to fit your unique smile, face shape, age and personality. Made of layered, translucent, stain-resistant porcelain, veneers are indistinguishable from your natural teeth once installed. They provide an alternative to traditional braces, and they cover chipped and broken teeth as securely as crowns and more securely than dental bonding. Veneers feel completely natural and can last for years.

The Placement Procedure

To place your porcelain veneers, Dr. Shlafer first applies a local anesthetic. He then gently shaves away a portion of your tooth to accommodate your veneer. Photos and impressions of your teeth and bite are taken, which are sent to the dental laboratory that will craft your veneers. Temporary veneers will be placed on your teeth while your veneers are being crafted. When your porcelain veneers are ready, you return to our office. In this visit, Dr. Shlafer applies a local anesthetic and removes your temporary veneers, then bonds your veneers to your teeth, making sure that they fit and blend flawlessly.

For more information or to make an appointment, give us a call today at (248) 266-8581.