It’s easy to think of cosmetic dentistry as just a way to improve one's appearance, but the differences between it and restorative dentistry aren’t as big as you might think. Both can use similar dental appliances to fix problems, and both can improve tooth health. When it comes to improving your smile, cosmetic dentistry can offer visual appeal and help benefit tooth health.
One form of cosmetic dentistry is Lumineers®, a treatment similar to veneers but with some advantages that can make them perfect for giving you brighter teeth. Let’s find out more about this cosmetic treatment, how it’s applied, and what it can do for your teeth.
East Village, Manhattan, New York, residents looking to keep their teeth bright and healthy can get help from Dr. Adam Nusblatt and the Nusblatt Dental team using many cosmetic dentistry options, including Lumineers.
This treatment uses shells made of thin porcelain or composite materials to cover teeth to improve their appearance. Also referred to as no-prep veneers, these can be applied with far less work than traditional veneers need and for a lower price.
Normally, when veneers are applied, they require grinding down teeth for a proper fit, but Lumineers can perform the same function without the added trouble. However, as they’re thinner than veneers, they aren’t as durable and are more translucent. They can last between five and 20 years, but will require more work to properly care for them.
Lumineers work to manage various cosmetic issues with teeth, including:
Because Lumineers are more transparent than traditional veneers, their effectiveness in brightening stained teeth depends on how dark the stain is. However, Lumineers can also be replaced if necessary, whereas veneers can’t be removed.
This painless process starts with the dentist making a mold of your teeth so a lab can fabricate the shells for your use. This may be preceded by a light etching and sanding of teeth for a better fit and checking the bite again to prevent any chipping while talking or chewing. Next, we apply an adhesive, followed by bonding the Lumineers one at a time on each tooth that needs one.
After they’re in place, we clean and polish the Lumineers, and you’re ready to share your new teeth with the world. Depending on how many teeth we cover, the procedure can take up to two hours.
Cosmetic dentistry offers many benefits, and Lumineers can help change your smile and last for years. Make an appointment with Dr. Nusblatt and the Nusblatt Dental team today to help your teeth look their best.
