Houston Lumineers

What are Lumineers?

Lumineers are the exciting new trend in cosmetic dental bonding. This patented product creates a brighter smile without anesthesia, tooth shaping, or pain. The material used is extremely thin (.33mm) patented porcelain called Cerinate that creates a durable and stain resistant structure. This custom created product is then bonded to the teeth naturally, hiding broken teeth, large gaps, and worn down teeth.

In many situations, Lumineers present a convenient solution for cosmetic enhancement. In addition to creating a painless option, this patented technology can last up to 20 years with the proper care. The Lumineers are custom crafted for your specific situation and effectively hides discoloration, uneven teeth, gaps, and fractured teeth.

Please keep in mind that all dental devices can come with drawbacks. Lumineers require care to place since the underlying tooth structure is not altered to accommodate it. Likewise, patients with severe oral deficiencies may be advised to use an alternative type of veneers. At Lakewood Dentistry, we make it our duty to provide you with accurate information and a product that will enhance your lifestyle.

Are Lumineers a Match for You?

Lumineers can give you a beautiful smile, without multiple trips to the dentist. It is a great product for people with the following dental deficiencies:

Enamel Discoloration

The substance around your teeth, called enamel, provides protection from bacteria and decay. It can wear down over time, becoming permanently stained. Sometimes genetics play a part in tooth coloring and strength. However, the leading culprit in the discoloration of enamel is the effect of corrosive foods, drinks, and medicinal side effects. Potent spices, smoking, coffee, and certain medications are especially known to color teeth.

Erosion and Fractures

Teeth naturally wear down with years of biting and chewing. As we grow older, our teeth grow dull and the enamel fades. Teeth are then vulnerable to cracks and chips, which creates a rough, uneven appearance.

Unsymmetrical Spacing

Short of using bulky and awkward dental devices for years, uneven placement of the spaces between teeth is unavoidable. Genetics often play a large part in the way our teeth grow and space out. Wide gaps can sometimes occur and grow wider with age.

Grinding

Many of us grind and clench our teeth without realizing, especially when under heavy stress or at night. Unfortunately, this very common habit can lead to severe surface erosion if left unchecked. Asymmetrical teeth and bite sizes may exacerbate grinding. Over time, this leads to dental complications, such as fractures, tooth loss, and severe wear.

Dental Lumineers offer an easy and affordable solution for the unsightly effects caused by these problems. You are a compatible candidate for Lumineers if your condition ranges from mild to moderate. Severe tooth defects may be better served by other types of cosmetic devices. We will work with you to create a comprehensive plan that matches your dental needs and goals.

Creating Your Unique Smile

Your initial consultation will provide us with the information necessary to craft a plan that matches your goals, dental needs, and budget. Lumineers were created to eliminate the need for shaving the surface of teeth. Dr. Farah has an artistic eye, in addition to experienced hands. She knows that creating the perfect Lumineers involve more than just numbers and measurements. To create a natural effect, it is important to take the shape of your face into consideration along with the desired shade.

Unless otherwise indicated, the impressions can be created in the first visit. These are then sent to highly experienced laboratory technicians, who then custom craft the Lumineers according to your specifications and impressions.

Lumineers can be applied in about 2 visits. This is a revolutionary product, primarily because of the minimum preparation involved. Only in rare cases will any enamel be shaped off, virtually eliminating the need for local anesthesia or drilling. The Lumineers are applied directly to the natural surface of the teeth with a bonding agent. With proper care, these Lumineers will provide you with a dazzling smile for many years.

Aftercare

Lumineers are growing in popularity as they provide a beautiful new smile with extreme affordability and minimal fuss. They are a visually appealing solution for moderate dental deficiencies. Like your natural teeth, they will require proper care and maintenance.

The following are a few tips that can help extend the lifespan of your Veneers:

• Though Lumineers are extremely durable, you should still avoid consuming large amounts of hard and sticky foods, which can stress the bonding material. Chew these foods with your back teeth if it’s unavoidable.
• It’s important to avoid foods that can potentially discolor or corrode the bonding cement, such as coffee, red wine, and tea.
• Keep in mind that smoking habits can also discolor your new Lumineers.
• Brush and floss your teeth several times a day. The Lumineers are resistant to bacteria and decay, but it is still necessary to maintain the health of your natural teeth.
• If you play physical contact sports such as football or soccer, your Lumineers are exposed to potential injury. We can create a custom mouth guard so you can continue to do what you love, without damaging your perfect smile.
• Grinding your teeth frequently at night can damage the Lumineers. If you suffer from night grinding, please contact us immediately so we can create a custom night guard.
• Using abrasive toothpastes can harm the surface and bonding of your Lumineers. We can provide you with samples and recommendations of less harmful alternatives.

Remember that it is a team effort to keep that smile flawless for years to come. If you are interested in using Lumineers to enhance your natural smile, please contact Lakewood Dentistry at 281-320-0400 and you can consult with an experienced, qualified dentist. We provided flawless smiles in the Houston, Tomball, Spring, and Cypress communities of Texas for many years.