It’s amazing how much a beautiful smile with straight, white teeth influences a person’s appearance and relaxedness. Of course, not everyone can boast of such luxury - some have naturally not very white teeth, others were unable to maintain the integrity of their dentition. And in this case they can come to the rescue Lumineers - they can be installed at any age (we are, of course, only talking about adults), and the price of the issue is not comparable to the cost of other methods, especially when you consider how long the pads will last.
What are Lumineers? These are very thin ceramic plates used as onlays on teeth. Their thickness is almost less than that of contact lenses, and after installation they are not felt at all.
Lumineers are often compared to veneers. Is there a difference between them? Yes, and it is quite significant - lumineers are thinner and therefore do not require preliminary grinding of the teeth. But the minimum thickness should not confuse you - in fact, lumineers are very durable, as they are made from a special composite material with the addition of crystals, making it resistant to external factors - food, exposure to a toothbrush, and so on.
What are Lumineers?
To make a patient’s smile beautiful, dentists use specialized onlays. They are made from ceramics. The products are thin and highly resistant to mechanical stress. The products do not require special care. It is enough to carry out hygiene procedures daily.
Teeth onlays are made in a wide range of colors. This allows you to choose a product that matches the color of the patient’s tooth enamel and makes it invisible against the background of adjacent teeth. Installation of lumineers does not require tissue damage by grinding. The overlays are fixed to the enamel with an adhesive. If necessary, you can remove the product or replace it with a new one without causing harm to the patient’s teeth.
For the manufacture of plates, environmentally friendly materials are used that do not cause allergic reactions in the patient. The outer surface is resistant to the negative effects of various foods. With prolonged use, the linings do not lose their color and physical characteristics.
For reliable fixation, the inner surface of the plate is made porous. This improves the adhesive properties of the surface. The adhesive composition contains useful microelements. They strengthen tooth enamel and protect it from destruction for a long time.
Cost of this service
The price of lumineers is quite high - $1000 per unit of product. This is determined by the completion of the work and the cost of delivery of the product.
Not every dental specialist will be able to carry out the installation procedure efficiently, and not everyone has sufficient knowledge in this area. When turning to a doctor with such a request, you need to make sure how much his professionalism meets the requirements of the procedure performed. Incorrect installation of onlays will lead to spoiled appearance of teeth and the development of diseases. This happens due to the formation of small cracks, which become a haven for bacteria and the accumulation of dental plaque.
If we talk about manufacturing, it is produced only in the USA using special ceramics using patented technology. The cost of the overlays includes delivery of the goods. The first thing that should alert a patient when choosing a dental clinic and specialist is when such a service costs less than $700.
Sources used:
- "Glossary of Dental Clinical and Administrative Terms"
- Optimization of dental restoration with ceramic inlays / Ziliya Chaika, Galina Ivanovna Ron. - M.: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, 2012.
- Orthopedic treatment of pathological abrasion of hard dental tissues / Kh.A. Kalamkarov. — M.: Medicine
Indications and contraindications
The installation of lumineers is indicated in some cases to improve the aesthetic qualities of teeth. Products can be installed on both front and back teeth. Indications for installation:
- Damage to teeth.
- Darkening and stains on the enamel.
- Presence of large gaps between teeth.
- Darkening of fillings.
- Curvature of teeth.
- Crowns on the front teeth that have an unaesthetic appearance.
- Grinded teeth.
The list of indications for installation does not end there. Lumineers are installed to improve the appearance of your teeth.
Contraindications are associated primarily with the presence of diseases, after treatment of which installation is possible. Contraindications:
- Caries at any stage of development.
- Cutting teeth (bruxism). It is observed in patients during sleep. During grinding, high pressure is applied to the surface of the teeth.
- Periodontitis.
- Severe crooked teeth or malocclusion.
Before installation, you should consult a specialist. The dentist will conduct diagnostic measures and, if necessary, prescribe treatment for the disease.
Kinds
The manufacturing company Cerinate produces 2 types of lumineers, which differ in the manufacturing method. Original onlays are made from individual impressions: the doctor takes an impression of the teeth being restored and sends it to a laboratory located in America.
The finished lumineer arrives in Russia by mail and is a unique product made in full accordance with the anatomical features of the oral cavity of a particular patient. Such onlays have a high degree of wearing comfort and very accurately follow the contours of natural teeth.
Duo PCH dental lumineers are also Cerinate products, made on the basis of proprietary ceramics, but onlay templates are already available in the Russian clinic. This type of prosthesis appeared relatively recently and has the advantage of a shorter production time. That is, you will not have to wait for the impressions to be sent and receive the goods by mail - the entire process will take place directly at the Russian medical institution.
Important!
There are only two brands of original lumineers - Cerinate and Duo PCH. They have no other names.
Differences between lumineers and veneers
The main distinguishing feature of lumineers is their installation technology. On average, the thickness of veneers is 0.6 millimeters, lumineers – 0.2 mm. To install veneers, the dentist must grind down the patient's teeth. If you install veneers on entire teeth, the veneers will protrude forward and look unnatural.
Installation of lumineers is possible without preliminary sharpening of teeth. Before fixation, the specialist cleans the tooth. The nozzle is attached using a specialized adhesive.
Some questions that concern patients
Is it possible to install lumineers on so-called dead teeth? Unlike veneers, lumineers can replace traditional crowns.
Is it possible to install onlays if crowns are already installed? Lumineers are installed on crowns, but only when the latter are in excellent condition.
Is it possible to combine ceramic and porcelain onlays? Lumineers, which are made of porcelain, are placed on the front incisors. To save on restoration costs, onlays made of zirconium can be installed on chewing incisors.
Installation benefits
One of the best ways to improve the aesthetic appearance of a patient's smile is to bond veneers. The products have a number of advantages:
- Possibility of installation without grinding teeth. Attaching the overlays does not involve processing fabrics. Only cleaning is used.
- With prolonged use, the surface of the products does not darken or change color.
- High installation speed. The patient will only need 2 to 3 visits to a specialist.
- Possibility of removing lumineers. The products can be removed without harming the patient's teeth.
- Wide range of colors. Thanks to a wide selection of shades, you can choose products that completely match the color of natural enamel. This allows you to install both several and one tooth in a row.
- Long service life. With proper care, lumineers can be used for more than 20 years.
- Comfort to use. The thickness of the overlay is 0.2 mm. Thanks to this, the patient quickly gets used to the design and does not experience discomfort.
- No allergic reactions. Environmentally friendly materials are used in the manufacture of the structure.
Manufacturer
Lumineers have been used in dentistry for more than two decades, but in Russia they have gained popularity since 2005. The manufacturer and patent holder of the production technology is the American company Cerinate.
Lumineers are made from ceramic with the addition of crystalline leucite, which gives the material excellent aesthetic characteristics. It does not contain metallic inclusions, which eliminates even the slightest reflection of light in the microprosthesis. Light can circulate and penetrate the adjustment freely, just like natural enamel. It is no coincidence that leucite is often used in jewelry making.
Ceramics for overlay lumineers, produced using Cerinate technology, are not only beautiful, but also have great mechanical strength. Original products are not susceptible to chipping or cracking, which ensures a long service life.
On a note!
The full composition and details of the technological process for producing “Hollywood ceramics” are kept secret.
How does fixation happen?
The procedure for installing lumineers is carried out in two stages. You can install the onlays in two or three visits to the dentist. The exact period depends on the individual characteristics of each patient. During the first visit, the specialist will examine the patient's oral cavity and conduct a survey. The doctor will advise the patient about the cost of installation. The dentist will create an impression from which the structure will be made in the future.
When you visit the specialist again, the onlays will be ready, and the dentist will install them. Before fixation, the doctor checks the shape and color of the product with a pre-made cast. The overlays are installed with a high-strength adhesive. This prevents spontaneous peeling of the product and the ingress of food particles between the lumineers and the enamel.
The installation procedure takes a minimum amount of time. During fixation of the pads, the patient does not experience pain or discomfort. Without the need for tooth preparation, lumineers can be installed without the use of anesthesia.
Flaws
Lumineers have very few disadvantages, but we need to talk about them.
- Lumineers are the most expensive microprostheses of all similar ones. This is a consequence, firstly, of a single patent and protected technology, and secondly, of the fact that delivery from the United States is required.
- If the teeth are initially quite large, after installing the plates they may look a little heavy, despite their very small thickness.
- Mandatory implementation of all procedures prescribed by a specialist and careful treatment are implied in order for lumineers to serve the required period.
Would you like to see photos of veneers before and after their installation?
Well, here you can find out their prices.
By following this link: https://www.vash-dentist.ru/lechenie/bolezni-polosti-rta/stomatit-bpr/v-domashnih-usloviyah-2.html - you will find out how to treat stomatitis at home.
Lumineers care
Correctly installed high quality pads will serve the patient for a long time. The structures look natural and do not differ from the color of tooth enamel. To preserve the physical properties, the products should be properly cared for.
Cleaning lumineers is carried out in the same way as dental hygiene procedures. You need to clean your lumineers twice a day. When carrying out hygiene measures, a person can use a paste and a brush at his own discretion. Avoid using cleaning paste containing small solid particles. They can act as an abrasive material and lead to rapid abrasion of the material.
When carrying out hygiene procedures, special attention should be paid to dental spaces. Floss is used to remove food debris. Using dental floss allows you to remove small particles in hard-to-reach places. To increase the life of the onlays, you should visit your dentist regularly. You should have your teeth professionally cleaned at least once every 6 months.
Write a comment
Alice
February 17, 2015 at 10:19 am
Oh, what a beauty this is. People’s smiles became positively radiant. The author mentioned the expensive price of luminars, and more specifically, how much it can cost on average. The most interesting thing is that this procedure will become more accessible in a few years. I also think that it protects your teeth, which is undoubtedly a big plus.
admin
February 18, 2015 at 3:51 am
Hello Alice. You can learn more about the cost of lumineers from a separate review we prepared, located at the following address:
Olga
July 24, 2016 at 14:00
Installing lumineers is, of course, an amazing new technology! Allows you to get a Hollywood smile in the shortest possible time and hide all existing imperfections, and what’s more, these plates also protect your teeth from caries. As far as I know, installing lumineers takes very little time and is much safer for teeth than installing veneers, and besides, it seems that you can try to install temporary lumineers first and see how all this beauty will look. The only drawback, in my opinion, is that they sometimes look a little artificial, but this probably depends on the patient’s personal choice.
Popova N.
October 16, 2022 at 9:09 am
The tooth began to decay, they said it was necessary to do restoration. I didn’t really like the rest of my teeth either - they grow crookedly, the incisors are huge, the neighboring ones are small. And holes between the teeth. I called the dentist and chose Luxnir. They promised that everything would be quick and painless. I just had to leave the country for six months, the time frame was limited. I’ll tell you what happened: an examination + they took impressions of my teeth. Then they were made, when I came for the second time, they had already given me luxeirs! These are the same American Lumineers, but Russian ones, much cheaper. They put a mask on the teeth, anointed it with something cooling, then washed it, anointed it... put these plates on, then lay under the lamp. Everything was fast, I didn’t have time to get tired! It didn't hurt at all! And I was preparing for something terrible))) In general, I recommend it. You kill several birds with one stone. Inexpensive, restoration, perfect and white teeth.
Inna
January 15, 2022 at 15:50
To be honest, I wouldn’t have decided in life if it weren’t for the wedding! They decided to celebrate it abroad. And everything had to be perfect. The choice was luxnir. The best option, in my opinion. I wanted lumineers, but they were very expensive... I was worried that the teeth wouldn’t look real. But they did everything as it should - a very beautiful natural white color. Overall, they look great! My teeth were also a little chipped on the sides, now everything is straight - great shape! And the price compared to foreign analogues suited me.
Zhanna
February 5, 2022 at 6:51 am
Since childhood, I hated smiling, now I’m studying at a university, and I decided to take a closer look at my teeth! I read a lot of reviews and information and settled on Luxnir - for me this is the best option. Because Lumineers, whatever one may say, are expensive! At the clinic, during the examination on the first day, impressions were already made. So fast! Then I made an appointment for a second appointment and they immediately installed these pads. Thin and durable. Nothing was ground off the teeth. I was wearing a special mouthguard so that my teeth were as open as possible. The doctor described her actions, but I don’t remember much anymore. When they installed them, they gave me a mirror. And I was stunned by my reflection! Very beautiful. Thank you for your work and this beauty!
How many teeth are placed on?
With the help of lumineers , the dentition located in the smile zone is corrected . As a rule, onlays are installed on the upper and lower incisors . But sometimes you have to adjust a row of up to 10 teeth.
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Lumineers are also used for the restoration of one tooth . To do this, the plate is selected with a color that matches the adjacent crowns as closely as possible. When lumineers are applied to the upper row of teeth, the lower row also needs color correction. Regular bleaching is often used for this.
Regardless of how many teeth are being restored, lumineers should only be installed by an experienced, qualified dentist. After all, the final quality of the work performed will depend on his actions.
