How Often Do Lumineers® Have to be Replaced?

How Often Do Lumineers® Have to be Replaced?

Aug 08, 2022

If you have ever felt self-conscious or ashamed about your smile, you can use cosmetic dentistry to transform your smile. Dental Lumineers® offer a quick, less invasive, and cost-effective way to correct dental imperfections and enhance your smile. Visit our dentist in Weymouth to learn more about Lumineers and other cosmetic treatments.

What are Dental Lumineers?

Lumineers are sometimes called no-prep veneers. They are a fine veneer glued to the front of a tooth without any preparation. A veneer is a tooth-colored shell or coating attached to a tooth to repair and hide tooth damage.

When placing a standard veneer, the dentist must shave a small portion of the tooth enamel. The veneer must fit perfectly without looking bulky or abnormal. The action of shaving the enamel is irreversible. You will need a veneer or other restoration to protect your tooth.

Enamel removal is unnecessary due to the very thin nature of Lumineers. It reverses the procedure and preserves your natural tooth’s integrity and structure. The preparation procedure can weaken the tooth and make it vulnerable to further damage and decay.

Placing a Lumineers only takes about two appointments. Like a standard veneer, a Lumineers matches the shade of your teeth. The results are often a healthier and dazzling bright smile.

Who can Get Lumineers?

Lumineers are effective for addressing multiple cosmetic concerns, including:

  • Improve the appearance of a yellowed, stained, or discolored tooth that won’t respond to teeth whitening.
  • Close slight gaps between teeth.
  • Correct minor teeth misalignments.
  • Cover minor teeth damages like chips and cracks.
  • Improve the appearance of uneven teeth and gums.

If your tooth or teeth are significantly damaged, discolored, or misalignments, the dentist can recommend more extensive treatments such as dental crowns, tooth extraction, root canals, and orthodontic treatments.

Dental Lumineers Procedure

The dentist begins by examining your tooth’s condition to determine whether you’re a good candidate for Lumineers. It is necessary to ensure you don’t have underlying issues like gum disease and decay that can affect your treatment.

If you’re eligible, the dentist will take records, bite impressions, and x-rays to design your Lumineers. During the second appointment, the dentist will bond the Lumineers to the tooth. Since no tooth shaving is required, the procedure is relatively painless and quick.

When to Replace Lumineers

While tooth Lumineers are thinner than traditional veneers, they are strong and durable. With good care and habits, your Lumineers should last for many years, usually 10 – 20 years or more. However, be sure to replace your Lumineers if they get damaged or worn out before the expected time.

Factors that can cause your Lumineers to get stained, damaged, or fall out quickly include:

  • Car and sports accidents
  • Chewing on hard items like nuts, ice, and hard candy
  • Poor dental hygiene causes decay and gum disease around the treated area
  • Teeth grinding and clenching
  • Abrasive dental products and brush
  • Sugary and acidic food items
  • Tobacco use
  • High consumption of highly pigmented food items

Is Lumineers Reversible?

Unlike traditional veneers, replacing Lumineers doesn’t always require enamel removal. If the tooth’s enamel wasn’t shaved when placing the Lumineers, you could always remove them if you change your mind.

However, if the dentist shaves the tooth’s enamel, you’ll always need to cover the tooth. Removing the Lumineers will expose the tooth to bacteria that cause decay. Similarly, the exposed tooth is likely sensitive and appears different from other teeth (probably because the dentin is exposed).

Removing the tooth’s enamel also weakens the tooth, making it vulnerable to cracks, chips, and breaks. If you don’t like the Lumineers, you can replace them with other restorations like porcelain veneers or dental crowns.

Caring for your Lumineers

It would be best if you took excellent care of your Lumineers and mouth to ensure a healthy and bright smile. Use these tips to extend the longevity of your Lumineers:

  • Brush and floss daily.
  • Wear a mouth guard for bruxism and contact sports.
  • Don’t use your teeth as tools.
  • Schedule routine dental exams and cleanings.
  • Use a soft-bristled brush and avoid abrasive dental products.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Ready to transform your smile with Lumineers in Weymouth, MA? Contact Weymouth Dental Associates to book your appointment with our cosmetic dentist today.

Call Now Schedule Now
Click to listen highlighted text!