Correcting broken, discolored, or uneven teeth by utilizing state of the art materials and techniques. That is normally the definition of a cosmetic dentistry veneers procedure. There is one particular method, one that doesn’t require the normal treatments of drilling, roughing and removal of the tooth enamel. It is a virtually painless procedure, completely non invasive. The procedure is trademarked as “Lumineers” by Cerinate, which are, in fact, porcelain veneers taken to another level.
Lumineers are made of ceramic porcelain, they are ultra-thin, almost as thin as contact lenses. The Lumineer veneer is placed on top of the existing tooth, immediately transforming your flaws with a perfect covering. This new technology offers people a completely non invasive way to enhance and correct their smile. It’s utterly painless, involving no shots or anesthesia. In fact you won’t even need a Tylenol after a Lumineer procedure. As well, there is no removal of sensitive tooth structure which can occur during a traditional cosmetic veneers procedure.
Getting Lumineers is a 2-step procedure. On the first visit the patient will come in for a 30 minute session, where a silicone impression of the patient’s mouth is taken, at which point the impression is sent out to a manufacturing studio where the veneers are fabricated from ceramic porcelain. The second appointment involves fitting the Lumineers over the patients existing teeth, cemented in place by a laser assisted bond, which does not degrade the tooth and still provides a bond as strong as traditional veneers. This process is remarkably similar to traditional cosmetic veneers procedures, the differences being in in the technology applied to the Lumineer veneer, and of course, the lack of enamel shaving, the needles, and the eventual pain.
OK I’m sold, now How Much Are Lumineers Veneers?
Well, bluntly, Lumineers are by no means cheap. You can expect to pay slightly more than you would for traditional dental veneers procedures. Of course it will depend on the dentist, the amount of discoloration or aesthetic damage to the offending teeth, and it can also depend on whether or not there is a veneer fabricating machine within the office, or if your molds will be sent out to have the Lumineers fabricated elsewhere. My educated guess is that you can expect Lumineers to cost between 700.00 – 1,100.00 on average, per tooth, as a base/ ballpark figure.
There are arguments for using traditional veneers procedures, arguments that depend on the individual teeth damage and the kind of results expected from their veneers. All in all, when money is not a problem, Lumineers by Cerinate are a very viable alternative. Do call your dentist to find out more about the Lumineer cosmetic dentistry veneers procedure. It may be exactly what you’re looking for!
#1 by Simon on August 23rd, 2009
I’ve actually wanted Lumineers for a long time now, but when they first came out the price was just ridiculous. Now that it’s gone down a bit I’m heading to the dentist next week – thanks to this post!! Thanks Shannon!
#2 by Carol on August 23rd, 2009
Have Davinci Veneers myself, but I kicked myself when I saw a commercial for Lumineers. I’d much rather have not had my existing teeth rough! Aargh! Oh well. I do get a lifetime guarantee with Davinci, wonder if Lumineers also have a guarantee?
#3 by Irene Mckay on August 23rd, 2009
Hi Shannon,
I just wanted to pop in and say I’ve included your site in my own link list. I recently had a reader ask me where she could find a good dentist because a toothache was keeping her up all night.
Needless to say I found your site by stumbling and directed her to you. I truly hope she emailed you – the poor thing hasn’t slept in days.
Oh, and I am truly jealous of your site design, it’s quite brilliant!
#4 by Shannon Dunlevy on August 23rd, 2009
@Simon. Thanks for the post! Yep, Lumineers are around 400.00 cheaper than when they first came on the market. That certainly helps.
@Carol, I’m writing a piece on Davinci veneers right now actually!! That’s a Chris Angel moment lol :0 I wouldn’t complain too much about them, in my experience Davinci are to veneers as Bentley is to cars. You are in good hands – and it’s a superior product. Quite expensive though
#5 by Shannon Dunlevy on August 23rd, 2009
Irene,
kekeke yeppers your peeps emailed a few hours ago and I directed her to a good dentist in her area. I even made the appointment for her so she wouldn’t chicken out so quickly. You’re right as well, sounds like she has a wisdom tooth impacted .. ouch!! Oh, and thanks for the compliment about the site
It’s really hard not to keep adding on, but I don’t want things so cluttered.
#6 by Shannon Dunlevy on August 23rd, 2009
btw Carol, Lumineers do come with a 20 year warranty, which is pretty decent. Not a lifetime guarantee, but still solid.
#7 by Phil on February 18th, 2010
Would it benefit me getting only two lumineers for two front teeth as thet are the ones i am most self conscious about, also if costs are too high would tooth whitening work on tooth that has undergone root canal and how much?
#8 by Shannon Dunlevy on March 6th, 2010
Hi Phil, you can get 2 lumineers for your front teeth for sure, as any cosmetic dentistry specialist will match the Lumineers with the color of your existing teeth. In other words, your front teeth shouldn’t look brighter or out of place.
With a root canal the tooth may be discolored due to the initial bacterial infection (the most common reason for a root canal). The root canal is a procedure to remove that bacteria, but in some cases it may not get all the bacteria out – hence your tooth can continue to darken and become discolored. Get your tooth assessed again to make sure that all the bacteria is – in fact – gone. If it is, then yes, you can try and whiten it with various procedures and products. Whitening gels can be used successfully. Brands such as Zoom!®, Opalescence® , BriteSmile are the most popular. Your dentist will direct you to the best solution here.
If a veneer is too expensive, best to consult your dentist and make sure the discoloration of your tooth is not due to the fact that there is still bacteria present in the tooth. That would be step 1 in my book. After that, your options are whitening gels – which can be placed inside the teeth to increase the lightening effect. Point is, you have options. Hope that helps