Are you considering using Lumineers to improve your smile? Lumineers are a great cosmetic dentistry procedure. How can you tell if they’re right for you? The best way is to schedule a consultation with Butler cosmetic dentist Dr. Robert Fornalczyk. However, this guide can help you understand the basics of Lumineers and who they’re best for.

Will Lumineers Give You the Results You Want?

mature adult couple smiling and laughingLumineers are versatile cosmetic dentistry treatments. They are a quick painless way to a straighter, whiter, younger-looking smile. We use Lumineers in Butler to provide a wide range of results, including:

  • Permanently whiten stained teeth
  • Cover small chips
  • Close gaps in your smile
  • Enlarge small teeth
  • Even out uneven teeth
  • Lengthen short teeth

Without drilling or shots!

Lumineers can cover discolored teeth, making your smile brighter and more youthful-looking. Because they cover your teeth, they are often more effective than teeth whitening. However, they have limits and are not the best solution in every case, like if you have broken and decayed teeth.

Lumineers effectively cover small chips. However, they can’t help with structural tooth damage, which might require a dental crown.

Lumineers can’t replace missing teeth but can correct small gaps between teeth. They work great if you have a diastema (gap in the center of your smile) or have teeth that are spaced too far apart. 

Lumineers can make crooked teeth look straight again in a painless procedure with no drilling and no shots.

If you feel your teeth are too narrow or too short, Lumineers can make them larger.

“I Want a Quick, Painless Procedure.”

If you are looking for a cosmetic dentistry procedure that is fast and painless, then you should consider Lumineers. Unlike traditional porcelain veneers, Lumineers often don’t require preparation of your teeth. “Preparation” means reducing tooth enamel to make room for the veneers. Lumineers are so thin that this usually isn’t necessary, they’re less than 1 mm thick.

Removing tooth enamel can cause discomfort–you can avoid that with Lumineers. Plus, you don’t have to spend as much chair time. Just take impressions and send them to the lab, then return for a fitting.

“I Want Long-Lasting Results.”

Lumineers are made of a highly durable cerinate porcelain.  This material is even stronger than your natural tooth enamel. Thanks to the strength and durability of the material, Lumineers can last up to 20 years!

“I Want a Reversible Procedure.”

We understand: changing your smile with cosmetic dentistry is a big decision. For some people, that decision becomes a little bit easier if you can potentially reverse it. If the thought of making permanent changes makes you nervous, Lumineers might be an ideal choice. Because we’re not making any changes to your natural teeth, Lumineers can be a completely reversible procedure.

Note that this isn’t always the case. Sometimes we do have to prepare your teeth a little to get Lumineers to look right. If you absolutely want to make sure Lumineers are reversible, make sure to mention it to Dr. Fornalczyk. Butler cosmetic dentist Dr. Fornalczyk can evaluate your smile and your cosmetic goals and let you know whether it’s reasonable to try the procedure in a reversible way.

Why Lumineers Might Not Be Right for You

However, there are some reasons why you might not be a good candidate for Lumineers. The main things that can make Lumineers not a good choice for you are:

  • Dark teeth
  • Large teeth
  • Unhealthy teeth
  • Bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding)

Lumineers can brighten your smile by covering your natural tooth enamel. However, because Lumineers are thin, they let light through, which means potentially letting some color from your natural teeth show.

Lumineers go over your natural teeth. Unless we’re removing tooth enamel to make room for them, this means that Lumineers will make your teeth larger. If your teeth are already large, this can cause cosmetic problems.

Lumineers depend on your natural teeth for support. They don’t repair, protect, or support decayed teeth. If you have unhealthy teeth, either because they’re eroded, decayed, or affected by gum disease, these problems would need to be addressed before placing the Lumineers.

Lumineers are strong, but they’re not invulnerable to damage. People who clench and grind their teeth can damage Lumineers the way they might damage normal porcelain veneers or natural teeth. If you have bruxism, Butler cosmetic dentist Dr. Fornalczyk will evaluate it to see if it will prevent you from getting Lumineers.

Learn More about Lumineers in Butler

Are you considering getting Lumineers in Butler, PA? Advanced Dentistry of Butler can help you use Lumineers to get the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Cosmetic dentist Dr. Fornalczyk has studied at Lumineers headquarters to understand how to get the best results for his patients with this advanced approach to dental veneers.

To get started on your new smile, please call (724) 282-4436 or use our online form to request an appointment at Advanced Dentistry of Butler, in Oak Hills near Butler County Community College.