Few of us are born with “just off the runway” smiles. Many of us go through life dealing with issues like broken or chipped teeth, gapped, discolored teeth, and even misaligned, uneven or irregularly shaped teeth. Our confidence and self-esteem take a hit until one day we decide to make a change. Once we get to that point we want a perfect smile yesterday. We don’t want to wait any longer.
Sound familiar? But is it really possible to make a dramatic change to your teeth without a long process with multiple visits? Remarkably, the answer is a resounding yes!
Irfan Atcha, DDS, DICOI, DADIA, at New Teeth Chicago Dental shares his experience with a cosmetic dentistry treatment called Lumineers and how he has come to value this treatment as the gold standard of dental veneers.
First of all, let’s square away the terminology. You may be more familiar with the term dental veneer, which is a cosmetic dentistry treatment option for a wide range of cosmetic imperfections such as worn teeth, gapped, chipped or broken teeth, or misshapen teeth. Veneers are thin coverings that are custom-made to fit over the imperfection.
Lumineers are a type of veneer that get you that perfect Hollywood smile quicker and easier.
Thinner, requires less prep
The biggest difference between dental veneers and Lumineers is thickness. Although both options are thin, dental Lumineers are about the thickness of a contact lens. This super-thin characteristic makes the treatment process more seamless. With dental veneers, Dr. Atcha needs to make room for the veneer by thinning or shaving the tooth or teeth getting the veneer. Lumineers are so thin that shaving down the affected tooth isn’t required. Another nice plus is that the thinness of Lumineers adds a more translucent quality to the surface, making it look and feel just like your natural teeth. If you don’t tell, neither will Dr. Atcha.
Less invasive, no needles or drilling
The thrill of the dental drill and those big needles are enough to make most folks shy away from some dental procedures. You won’t have to worry about any of those things with dental Lumineers. Dr. Atcha doesn’t have to make major alterations to the surface of the tooth before placing Lumineers. For you, that means no drilling and no needles. Of course, Dr. Atcha ensures your comfort throughout the treatment process.
Two-visit option, no temporary veneers
Saving time and being more convenient are qualities we have grown accustomed to regardless of what product or service we’re purchasing. There is so much we have to squeeze into a typical day that trying to add more just isn’t easy or desirable. The time-stressed patient particularly loves Lumineers because the treatment is so straightforward that you can capture that smile you’ve always wanted in two visits and you don’t have to worry about temporary veneers.
During the first visit, Dr. Atcha gathers all the data the laboratory needs to create your custom-made Lumineers. Specifically, he takes a mold of the affected teeth and may also take photographs so that the Lumineers perfectly match your neighboring natural teeth. Because Lumineers are a virtually no-prep option you don’t need to wear a temporary until your permanent Lumineers are made.
In about two weeks, your Lumineers return from the lab. During the second and final appointment, Dr. Atcha installs the Lumineers after double-checking the fit. He’ll rough up the surface of the tooth slightly to create the optimal conditions for adhering the Lumineers. Once the Lumineers are glued to your teeth, he’ll check your bite and off you go to enjoy that picture-perfect smile.
If you’ve thought about getting Lumineers, contact Irfan Atcha, DDS, DICOI, DADIA, at New Teeth Chicago Dental in the neighborhood of River North, Near North Side in Chicago. Book your appointment online or call today.