Lumineers in Tacoma
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Did you know…
Lumineers have a longer lifespan than traditional veneers.
what to expect when getting lumineers in tacoma
Consultation
To determine if you’re a good candidate for Lumineers, you will need to come in for a consultation with Dr. Hong. An oral exam and x-rays may be taken to ensure you’re in good oral health and don’t have severe damage or orthodontic problems that cannot be fixed with Lumineers.
impressions
At your first appointment in Tacoma, our cosmetic dentist will take digital impressions or a physical mold of your teeth and send this to the dental lab that will create your Lumineers. A shade guide is used to match your Lumineers to your natural tooth color.
bonding
We will receive your Lumineers within a few weeks, and you’ll return for a second appointment, where we can bond the Lumineers to your teeth with dental cement.
polishing
Any excess dental cement will be removed and your teeth will be polished.
What cosmetic issues can lumineers treat?
Tooth Staining or Discoloration
Tired of whitening your teeth only to end up right back where you started within a few months or years? Lumineers can improve tooth stains and discoloration by covering up the natural color of your teeth.
While we can match your Lumineers to the shade of your natural teeth, we can also go several shades lighter for a whitening boost. Lumineers may not be sufficient at covering up severe stains due to the thinness of the material.
chips or cracks
Cover up minor tooth damage such as chips, cracks, or worn-down enamel. Whether you’ve suffered from dental trauma or teeth grinding, Lumineers don’t just cover up damage, they make your teeth look brand new. Severe dental trauma and damage may require root canal treatment or dental crowns. Lumineers are most suitable for minor tooth damage.
gaps or alignment problems
Save money and time on orthodontic treatment by filling in gaps and creating the illusion of straight teeth. Severe malocclusions such as a misaligned bite or severely crooked teeth will require orthodontic treatment before you can receive veneers.
oddly shaped or sized teeth
Wish you could completely transform the appearance of your teeth? Well, now you can! Lumineers can alter the size, shape, and length of your teeth to what you’ve always dreamed of. Whether your teeth are too short, too pointy, oddly shaped, or uneven, we can create a seamless, uniform smile for you.
Did you know…
Lumineers are stain-resistant.
Have questions about veneers? Find answers here.
are lumineers permanent?
Unlike traditional veneers, Lumineers are not permanent. Because traditional veneers are thicker, they require the removal of .5 mm of the natural tooth enamel to prevent the veneers from sticking out. This alteration of the enamel is permanent and irreversible.
While the veneers need to be replaced every 10-15 years, you will always need to cover your enamel and cannot have them reversed. Lumineers, on the other hand, require no filing down of your enamel because they are thin enough to be bonded directly on top of your existing enamel.
If you decide later on in life that you no longer want Lumineers, you simply have them removed and your natural teeth will remain unaltered. Lumineers also last longer than veneers, having a lifespan of about 20 years.
how do I care for my lumineers?
Even when your teeth are covered with Lumineers, they are still susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Practice good oral hygiene by regularly brushing and flossing. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and brush gently to avoid abrading your Lumineers.
Avoid potential causes of damage to your lumineers. While they are made of highly durable materials, they can still be chipped if you’re not careful. Teeth grinding is a big risk, so you should wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth when you sleep. Avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods, using your teeth as tools, and chewing on ice, fingernails, or objects.
Avoid stains by refraining from smoking and limiting your consumption of staining foods and drinks. The biggest offenders are coffee, tea, and red wine. Visit your dentist in Tacoma, WA every 6 months for regular cleanings and checkups.
Did you know…
Lumineers do not require any drilling or anesthetic, as they are non-invasive.