Lumineers
Lumineers can cover up a wide variety of cosmetic imperfections, from stains to misshapen teeth, gaps between the teeth, uneven teeth and more.
Thanks to the unique, thin porcelain used to make Lumineers, they can often be placed without trimming your teeth.
This makes Lumineers reversible. Unlike traditional veneers, there is no need to permanently remove any of your enamel.
Lumineers are a special type of porcelain veneer. In most ways, they are very similar to traditional veneers. Just like traditional veneers, they are tooth-shaped shells of porcelain, and they are designed to cover up the front surfaces of your teeth. This allows you to treat a wide variety of cosmetic imperfections, ranging from small chips to uneven teeth, severe staining, and more.
However, there is a big difference. Lumineers are a lot thinner than veneers. They use an advanced ceramic material that’s very strong, but is nearly as thin as a contact lens (0.2mm). This means that Lumineers do not add as much bulk to your teeth.
Because of this, Lumineers can often be placed without removing any of your enamel, or with the removal of only a small amount of enamel. In contrast, traditional veneers require quite a bit of your natural enamel to be removed.
This is why Lumineers are also called “minimal prep” or “no-prep” veneers. They do not require your teeth to be trimmed. Not only does this simplify the procedure, but it means that Lumineers can be removed in the future if you ever change your mind. This is not possible with traditional veneers.
Lumineers work the same way that veneers do, and the treatment process is very similar. First, you’ll come to Origin Dental for an appointment with Dr. Victor Tran. He will examine your mouth and clean your teeth, then take impressions of your smile. These will be sent to a dental lab where your Lumineers will be made.
Then, you’ll come back to our office in 2-3 weeks to have your veneers placed. Dr. Tran will check the fit of each veneer, then apply a special liquid to your teeth to roughen them slightly. Then, your Lumineers will be bonded into place permanently using dental cement.
This depends on a few different factors. If you have relatively mild cosmetic issues with your teeth and you do not want a permanent treatment or would prefer to avoid having some of your enamel drilled away, Lumineers may be a good choice. They offer fast results, are reversible, and the process is less invasive compared to traditional veneers.
However, Lumineers do have some limitations. Because they’re so thin, they are not always the best choice for treating teeth with deep stains, or treating larger chips in the teeth. If you have severe cosmetic issues with your smile, traditional veneers may be a better choice.
Still not sure what’s right for you? Contact Origin Dental. Dr. Victor Tran offers both traditional veneers and Lumineers in Sorrento Valley and San Diego. He can explain each treatment in further detail and examine your mouth to determine which treatment is the best option for your unique situation.
What is gum disease and how can periodontal care from Origin Dental help?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums. Gum disease is one of the top reasons for tooth loss in adults, and many patients don't realize they have this disease until it's too late. Some common symptoms of gum disease are red, swollen, and tender gums, bleeding gums, or gums that have pulled away from the teeth (recession). During regular checkups, Dr. Tran will check for signs of periodontal disease and offers deep cleanings for patients suffering from gum disease.
What can I expect during my regular checkups?
According the the American Dental Association, you should come in for dental checkups every 6 months. During these appointments, Dr. Tran examines your teeth and gums, and checks for any dental issues including cavities and periodontal disease. You’ll receive a thorough yet gentle cleaning to make sure you are on the right track toward optimal dental health. Seeing you every 6 months helps Dr. Tran understand the state of your oral health and treat minor dental issues before they become much larger and more costly problems.
Do you offer TMD/TMJ treatment?
Yes! We know that Temporomandibular Disorder, or TMD, can be painful and it can have severely negative effects on your quality of life. Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jawbone to your skull, and TMD can turn simple activities like chewing or speaking into painful episodes. At Origin Dental, Dr. Tran offers treatment for TMD that will relieve pain and tension and help you enjoy your life again.