I went to see a cosmetic dentist and asked him to do Lumineers. I was impressed with all the before and afters I have seen online. But, he doesn’t recommend them. How do I get him to do Lumineers for me?
– Jessica in Oregon
Jessica,
Lumineers are a heavily marketing brand of porcelain veneers. They don’t require tooth preparation, so they get a lot of attention for being quick and simple. But, what you may not realize is that Lumineers get mixed reviews among patients. Also, many cosmetic dentists don’t prefer them for several reasons. Here are some things to keep in mind if you are considering getting a smile makeover with porcelain veneers.
Skill Level of Cosmetic Dentist
Online research is great for all kinds of products and services. But, cosmetic dentistry is different. It is never a good idea to walk into any dentist’s office and tell them that you want a particular brand or treatment. Cosmetic dentistry is like an art and takes extensive training beyond dental school to do beautiful work. Not every dentist has the skill level or experience to create beautiful porcelain veneers. Also, you should never push a dentist outside of their comfort zone, especially with cosmetic dentistry.
However, there is likely something else going on here. Many expert cosmetic dentists won’t even do Lumineers. The brand comes with trademark restrictions and many feel the result is poor. Since there is no preparation before the veneer is placed, the end result tends to leave the teeth looking longer than normal and bulky. Cosmetic dentists often feel they don’t deliver a natural-looking result either. They will likely prefer traditional porcelain veneers.
You will have a far better experience and result if you put your research toward finding the best cosmetic dentist in your area. Then, explain your smile design goals and listen to their recommendations. Cosmetic dentistry is all about picking the right dentist versus finding the treatment you think you like ahead of time. Remember, it’s like an art and your smile is their canvas.
Porcelain Veneers Require Tooth Preparation
Most excellent cosmetic dentists feel that traditional porcelain veneers deliver far superior results when compared to no prep veneers. There is only a very small amount of the tooth that is shaved down so that the porcelain veneer fits seamlessly. This process also allows the dentist to use the laboratory of their choice.
Sometimes patients with Lumineers have little ridges where plaque and bacteria can become a problem. This is because there is a tiny ridge where the veneer meets the tooth. These areas can also cause gums to become irritated and lead to tooth decay down the road.
Therefore, select the cosmetic dentist first and see what their recommendations are for your specific needs, face shape, complexion, as well as the personality you want to portray. Subtle differences in the size, shape and translucency can portray different smile designs like a sophisticated and professional look, or a more youthful, sporty look.
Schedule a Consultation With the Cosmetic Dentist
The best thing to do if you are considering a smile makeover is to schedule a consultation. Many offices will do this for free. They will spend a few minutes with you to get to know you and listen to your goals. This will give you a chance to check out their portfolio of work and get to know them too. It’s all about selecting the right dentist for you, instead of asking a dentist to do one particular treatment that they may or may not be familiar with.
Best of luck!
This post is sponsored by a cosmetic dentist in Barrington, James T. Gavrilos, DDS