Lumineers® (aka fancy tooth veneers), any experiences?

[jaydub]

I was curious whether any members have any experience with the Lumineers® that have become the new way of doing tooth veneers. My dentist suggested them for me because of some spaces I have in my front teeth.

They're not the cheapest route of fixing my teeth (and even then, they're merely cosmetic) but they seem to look really natural when they're done. The vanity issue also plays with me a bit, but I'd really like to be able to eat ribs without having half an ounce of meat stuck between my front teeth.

Thanks.

 

[Black&Tan]

I'd investigate orthodonture work before looking at veneers. A veneer is applied over a tooth that has been ground down to make room for an overlay. the veneer is bonded with a special glue, but you'll invariably need to have it reapplied in the future. I'd rather keep my own teeth instead of adding porcelain overalys.

That said, if you go through with it, make sure that there is translucency in the porcelain. Don't want to have mismatched teeth if you go out clubbing (some porcelain teeth show up bright white under blue light). Also, make sure that there is modeling done in the veneers. Most teeth are not one shade throughout, but many different. Your teeth will most likely change colors before the veneers do, so keep that in mind for future reference.

 

[jaydub]

I'd investigate orthodonture work before looking at veneers. A veneer is applied over a tooth that has been ground down to make room for an overlay. the veneer is bonded with a special glue, but you'll invariably need to have it reapplied in the future. I'd rather keep my own teeth instead of adding porcelain overalys.

That said, if you go through with it, make sure that there is translucency in the porcelain. Don't want to have mismatched teeth if you go out clubbing (some porcelain teeth show up bright white under blue light). Also, make sure that there is modeling done in the veneers. Most teeth are not one shade throughout, but many different. Your teeth will most likely change colors before the veneers do, so keep that in mind for future reference.

Well that's the benefit to Lumineers, they don't have to grind your teeth down to apply them. I've seen people who have them and they were very natural looking, I wouldn't have known they had them. I thought about going with Invisalign or something similar, but at 30 I just find the idea of wearing orthodontia to be weird. We'll see, my doctor does both and he said he'd rather see me get the veneers even though the pricing for both methods is similar.

 

[Black&Tan]

30 isn't too late for orthodontia. Add 10 years to that and that's where I'm at...and I've had braces for over a year. I see more and more adults with them now. Plus there are a lot more options now...invisalign, ceramic and the old fashioned metal.

So I read the writeup on the Lumineers website. I don't like how they keep bringing up the pain aspect and also compare them to getting your hair done. Personally, I'd be nervous about bonding them to my teeth and getting a perfect seal (bad seals can lead to infection and caries). That's probably why they have two visits, one to take an impression/mold and the other to apply them. You could argue the same thing is done for crowns - but I know they need to acid etch your teeth first. Not sure what sort of adhesive is used for Lumineers.

 

[jaydub]

It's not that it's an issue of being too old for orthodontics, so much as it's an issue of vanity. It's an obvious issue of vanity if I'm even willing to explore the idea of veneers in lieu of correcting my teeth.

I'll ask a lot more questions of my dentist before a decision is made, and I've got some reading to do (obviously!).

 

[Black&Tan]

For what it's worth, the ceramic braces are fairly close to your natural tooth color, so its not readily apparent that you're wearing braces. When I went to a boardroom meeting, I mentioned that I had braces put on and from across the table, most people couldn't tell. I grappled with the same cosmetic issue, and decided the extra ~$800 was worth it.

 

[Veritas&Equitas]

Yup, I had Lumineers put on 8 of my teeth about 2 months ago. Pricey as hell (about $1,000 per tooth), but it's really worth it in the long run. Too bad insurance doesn't cover purely cosmetic work

Anyways, I think mine look great, and would do it again. Never have to worry about my teeth ever again, look great, and feel great. I've gotten numerous compliments already regarding my teeth. If you want to know specifics or anything, let me know.

P.S. I assume you're talking about the Lumineer Porcelain veneers, which are around $1,000-$1,100 per tooth. The traditional Porcelain veneers are usually around $2,000-$2,500 per tooth. I got the Lumineer Porcelain veneers put on 8 teeth.

 

[jaydub]

Yup, I had Lumineers put on 8 of my teeth about 2 months ago. Pricey as hell (about $1,000 per tooth), but it's really worth it in the long run. Too bad insurance doesn't cover purely cosmetic work

Anyways, I think mine look great, and would do it again. Never have to worry about my teeth ever again, look great, and feel great. I've gotten numerous compliments already regarding my teeth. If you want to know specifics or anything, let me know.

P.S. I assume you're talking about the Lumineer Porcelain veneers, which are around $1,000-$1,100 per tooth. The traditional Porcelain veneers are usually around $2,000-$2,500 per tooth. I got the Lumineer Porcelain veneers put on 8 teeth.

You're correct about the ones I'm looking into. I was quoted ~$950 per tooth, for six teeth. My dental office also wants to look into getting one of the teeth covered since I have a pretty substantial chip in it.

 

[Spliff]

I just got Lumineers put in 2 days ago, and last night while eating I broke one off. It was one of the front two teeth, so I need to go back. The lumineer itself broke right in half while eating brocolli , it's not like I was chomping on some hard candy or something like that.

The procedure was painless and definitely is the way to go if you want to retain tooth structure. I'm not so sure about the durability though, as I will need to get this done again. We'll see how long it lasts after reapplying however you also have to consider that it is your time that is wasted (as well as the dentist's) by having to reapply as these will/should be done free of charge.

 

[jaydub]

Actually I should've updated this, I got mine put on the second week of December. I've had absolutely no problems, and I've been very very pleased with the process.

I know at first, I had a hard time getting used to having the extra thickness on my teeth, but now I'm fully used to it and I'm loving it.

 

[Counterfit]

It's not that it's an issue of being too old for orthodontics, so much as it's an issue of vanity. It's an obvious issue of vanity if I'm even willing to explore the idea of veneers in lieu of correcting my teeth.

I'll ask a lot more questions of my dentist before a decision is made, and I've got some reading to do (obviously!).

If it's mostly vanity, then I would say Invisalign is the way to go. It's removable and clear plastic. Plus, it's WAAAYY easier to floss with that than metal of ceramic braces (that was such a massive pain in the ass).

 

[Plymouthbreezer]

I soon as I get out of college, this will be my first investment.

My teeth aren't terrible, but its the one thing about myself physically which I don't like - I figure the investment is well worth it in the long run.

 

[travis64]

ha sorry to bring this old thread up,but was wondering if any updates.had braces n my teeth went back

 

[mirex]

Jaydub, could you send me your cosmetic dentist info?
I`m looking for one and yours looks like the best one in town

 

[deritz47]

5 years after getting Lumineers..DO NOT !!!!!

I was curious whether any members have any experience with the Lumineers® that have become the new way of doing tooth veneers. My dentist suggested them for me because of some spaces I have in my front teeth.

They're not the cheapest route of fixing my teeth (and even then, they're merely cosmetic) but they seem to look really natural when they're done. The vanity issue also plays with me a bit, but I'd really like to be able to eat ribs without having half an ounce of meat stuck between my front teeth.

Thanks.

I have had my Lumineers for almost 5 years so think I can give a good review for LONG TERM. Because prep removal of your tooth enamal is not done... the edge by the gums is thick, Over time --even with the best of dental hygiene..(flossing..sonicare & regular checkups) my gums have receded & decay is attacking the tooth near the gums. I have had 2 pieces of Lumineers chip off & trying to get replacement.. even with the warranty has been a nightmare. Now I have another chunk of Lumineer break off & discovered that many of the Cosmetic dentist in my area, that were pro Lumineer .. 5 years ago ... no longer do Lumineers due to the ongoing problems associated with the product. My original dentist was NO help when the first chip happened 4 month in & won't help now. His attitude is "I apply them & anything after is your problem". Now I know why he was the least expensive .
If you are looking to improve your smile PLEASE steer away from Lumineers. Find a reputable COSMETiC dentist & go with traditional veneers. My husband had traditional veneers done around the same time. He has had NO problems & no receding gums as they were blended to the correct tooth contour. His dentist was a Lumineer dentist until this past year. At that time he discovered his reputation was being compromised due to all the problems associated with the actual Lumineer product.
Don't find yourself in the mess I am in.. Now having to spend thousands of dollars more to repair what should have been a lifetime smile.

 

[deritz47]

Update

I have had my Lumineers for almost 5 years so think I can give a good review for LONG TERM. Because prep removal of your tooth enamal is not done... the edge by the gums is thick, Over time --even with the best of dental hygiene..(flossing..sonicare & regular checkups) my gums have receded & decay is attacking the tooth near the gums.

Went to fantastic COSMETIC dentist this morning. Highly recommended & have seen his work 1st hand. He also does Lumineers but prefers another product... after working with both for years. 99% of my problems are from the previous dentist. New DR. stated "had never seen such an awful application" He called Lumineers lab & they will replace all 5 ... HOWEVER their warranty states you have to get the original dentist to do all warranty work. Last thing I would do is let him have another go after all the things wrong pointed out today. Have a request into customer advocate @ Lumineers to see if they will assist in this mess. If I had a chance I would really research dentist.. but got name of original from the Lumineer 800 line/ Would think they would recommend a dentist that knew how to apply their product. Feed up with it all. JUST BE CAREFUL WHO DOES YOUR WORK!!!!