In our culture, a beautiful smile is worth a million bucks — but what if you aren’t so satisfied with the way your front teeth look? If that’s the case, you are probably a little (or a lot) more reluctant to flash a grin. These days, though, there’s no need to live with a smile that is anything less than perfect. A solution is in sight with porcelain veneers in Tyler! When veneers and Lumineers are within your reach, you and your smile have a lot to look forward to.
How Veneers and Lumineers Work
Dental veneers and Lumineers are thin, tooth-shaped coverings made of porcelain. They are bonded onto the front side of imperfect teeth, and they focus on the “social six,” or the teeth that show when you speak and smile.
Veneers and Lumineers can be used to fix the following issues.
- Chipped or uneven teeth
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Oddly textured teeth
- Short or stubby teeth
The difference between veneers and Lumineers is simple. Lumineers are a special type of veneer that is thinner, meaning it can often be placed without altering the healthy tooth structure (more on that below).
The Procedure
The treatment process will depend on whether you are getting traditional veneers or Lumineers. Both usually require two visits to the dentist’s office.
- Porcelain veneers: In the first appointment, your dentist carefully removes tooth enamel to create space for the veneer to be placed on top. Impressions are taken and sent to the lab, where your custom veneers are created. You return to the office about 2 weeks later for their final placement.
- Lumineers: Your dentist takes impressions of your teeth in a preliminary visit and sends them to the lab, where your veneers are created. Once they are ready, you return and the Lumineers are placed directly onto the healthy tooth enamel.
Alternatives to Veneers
Veneers and Lumineers can be a wonderful option for many patients, but it’s always a good idea to know about your other options. For less significant imperfections or for people with tighter budgets, cosmetic bonding can be a great solution. With this method, your dentist uses composite resin to create a new surface for an imperfect tooth. It is completed in a single visit to the dentist’s office.
If you have teeth that are weak, worn, or decayed, you may need a stronger restoration than a veneer. A metal-free crown restores the strength and function to your tooth without affecting the appearance of your smile.
Whether you are interested in veneers, Lumineers, or any other cosmetic solution, don’t wait to get started discussing your options with a cosmetic dentist in Tyler!
About the Author
Dr. Dennis E. Stansbury is a trusted general dentist providing a number of cosmetic treatments for patients of Stansbury Dental. To learn more about his services or to schedule an appointment to discuss veneers or Lumineers, you are invited to contact the office at 903-561-1122.