Lumineers are an innovative cosmetic solution gaining popularity by the day. But do lumineers last as long as traditional veneers? In this article, we discuss the potential lifespan of lumineers and what factors can affect it.

Do Lumineers Last as Long as Traditional Veneers?

A Lumineer, also often called a no-prep veneer, is an extra thin porcelain shell that is applied to the entire front side of a tooth to achieve cosmetic benefits. Lumineers have multiple significant advantages in comparison with traditional veneers, but potentially, they will not last as long. The reason for this is that they are much thinner than veneers and have a less robust bonding process.

Advantages of Lumineers

Being made of extra thin porcelain, also called laminate porcelain, lumineers require minimal preparation of the tooth before they can be fitted. In comparison, veneers require the removal of a significant part of the tooth’s enamel for them to be able to be fitted. As a result, with lumineers, it is possible to preserve the integrity of the tooth, meaning that they can potentially be removed without the need for reapplication and with minimal damage to your teeth. Veneers, on the other hand, is an irreversible procedure.
When opting for lumineers, you will have a shorter first appointment with your cosmetic dentist, as they will not file down your teeth but just take the impressions.
Lumineers can be less expensive than traditional veneers.

Disadvantages of Lumineers

Lumineers are thinner and more translucent than traditional veneers. As a result, they might not be as effective at masking tooth staining, discoloration, and other types of tooth damage.
Lumineers are less durable and easier to crack or chip than traditional veneers. Also, due to the specifics of how they are bonded to the tooth, they potentially have more risk of reattaching or becoming loose than traditional veneers.

Are Lumineers Right for You?

Lumineers can be a good minimally-invasive solution for you if your teeth are relatively straight and you need to mask minor cosmetic issues, such as slight discoloration or small chips. On the other hand, if your teeth have signs of significant damage or pronounced stains, veneers will be a more effective option.

How to Make Your Lumineers Last Longer

Luminaries require extra care if you want to preserve their appearance and function, as they are extremely thin and can be more fragile than traditional veneers. We recommend following the tips below to make your lumineers last longer.

Prevent Physical Damage to Your Lumineers

Your lumineers can crack, chip, or get displaced from physical impact or oral trauma. The ways to prevent it include:

Wear a mouth guard when playing sports, especially contact and extreme sports.
Avoid hard and crunchy foods and foods that require a lot of biting force, such as hard apples. Also, crunchy foods can scratch the surface of your lumineers, which can make them appear stained.
Never use your teeth as tools, for example, for biting off tags or thread, opening bottles, etc.
If you have bruxism—involuntary teeth grinding and jaw clenching—address the condition as soon as possible. Teeth grinding can not only wear off or crack your lumineers but also damage your natural teeth, as human bite force is extremely strong.
If you have such habits, such as chewing on nails or other hard objects, try to eliminate them.

Clean Your Lumineers Properly

Thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day is the number one way to preserve the original appearance of your lumineers and prevent their staining and discoloration. However, using the right products for cleaning lumineers is also crucial.

We recommend opting for fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid using abrasive products, such as soda or charcoal-containing toothpaste, to clean your lumineers. Also, never use whitening solutions for your lumineers as they are not designed for porcelain and can damage it easily. If you notice that your lumineers appear discolored or stained, consult your cosmetic dentist instead.

Detect Potential Issues in the Early

Visit your dentist twice a year for checkups and professional cleanings. This way, you will be able to monitor the condition of your lumineers and the bonding sealant and spot any potential issues before they turn into more serious problems. Also, regular cleanings will help preserve the stunning original appearance of your lumineers and the health of your natural teeth.

Make an Appointment at Chino Aesthetics

Make an appointment with a leading cosmetic dentist at the Chino Aesthetics dental office today to get stunning lumineers. In our clinic, we use innovative and reliable cosmetic dentistry methods to deliver the best results to our clients. We are looking forward to your visit.