Lumineers are a conservative, natural looking alternative to traditional porcelain veneers.
We are pleased to offer Lumineers to our pediatric patients in Ashburn, because it is far less invasive and stressful than applying veneers.
Applying veneers requires the shaving away of a significant portion of the tooth, which can only be completed after numbing the area with an anesthetic shot.
Lumineers, on the other hand, require minimal prep work and — most importantly — no shaving down of the teeth or anesthetic shots.
Veneers vs. Lumineers
There are several similarities between veneers and Lumineers.
Both traditional veneers and Lumineers are methods of improving the cosmetic appearance of a person’s teeth. They are used to conceal stains, chips, discoloration, and misaligned teeth.
This is achieved by bonding custom-made “shells” to the surfaces of the existing teeth, using a special formula of dental cement.
The key difference between veneers and Lumineers is the preparation process.
Because porcelain veneers are about 0.5 mm thick, the teeth must be shaved down before the veneer can be affixed to the front of each tooth. This is done under local anesthesia, using a series of anesthetic shots to numb the mouth.
Lumineers are sometimes called “no-prep veneers” because they do not require the drastic process of shaving down the teeth. That’s because Lumineers are made from lightweight and ultra-thin laminate that is only 0.3 mm thick — as thin as a contact lens!
Facts about veneers
- Made of durable porcelain
- Require the teeth to be shaved down before application
- Application includes local anesthesia
- Bonded using dental cement
- 0.5 mm thick
- Last between 10–20 years (usually around 15 years)
- Cost between $500–2,500 per tooth (average is $1,000 per tooth)
Facts about Lumineers
- Made of durable laminate
- Require minimal prep before application
- No anesthetic needed
- Bonded using dental cement
- 0.3 mm thick
- Last up to 20 years
- Usually similar or slightly lower cost than veneers
Is Your Child a Good Candidate for Lumineers?
Lumineers are a minimally invasive method of addressing cosmetic dental problems. However, they are not appropriate for every patient we see.
Lumineers are used to remedy:
- Gaps between teeth
- Cracks
- Missing teeth
- Slightly misaligned teeth
- Teeth that are too small
- Discoloration or staining that cannot be resolved by tooth whitening treatments
- Other forms of tooth damage
In order to be a good candidate for Lumineers, your child must have healthy teeth. Lumineers address cosmetic issues, not preventative or dental health issues. We do not put them on unhealthy teeth.
Typically, Lumineers are placed on adult teeth because they are a costly solution for a baby tooth that will soon fall out.
If your child has large teeth, Lumineers may not be an option because they will add more length and width to the existing teeth.
The best reason to get Lumineers for your child is to improve their confidence and mental health by resolving the things that make them self-conscious about their smile!
What to Expect During Your Child’s Lumineers Appointment
Although Lumineers are called “no-prep veneers,” you will need to schedule a few appointments to complete the process.
Consultation appointment
During your child’s consultation appointment, we will determine if they are a good candidate for Lumineers.
If not, we can discuss alternative ways to improve their smile and give them the confidence they are looking for.
If they are a good candidate, we’ll talk to you and your child about the process and what happens each step of the way, including what to expect at each appointment, what it will feel like to get Lumineers, and what you will need to do in order to take care of them.
We are prepared to answer all of your questions and to always be available if more questions arise. We have built our reputation on being great listeners and explainers. You are never a burden to us, and we want to make sure you are confident in your next steps.
Your consultation appointment will also cover costs and payment options.
Impressions appointment
We will create a set of impressions of your child’s teeth by using the Itero scan.Digital Scanning means no gagging on impression goop/material in your child’s mouth. Digital impressions are painless and take about 5 minutes.
Application appointment
At your child’s final appointment, we will bond the custom-made laminate Lumineers to the teeth.
Again, there is no anesthetic necessary, which means this process is pain-free and easy. Once the Lumineers are in place, we will get rid of any extra cement and confirm that the child’s bite is comfortable and perfectly aligned.
What if my child experiences pain during the process? In uncommon cases, some patients may experience additional sensitivity, especially if there is a small amount of tooth reduction necessary. We can discuss gentle sedation options to reduce the risk of your child experiencing any pain or discomfort during the application procedure.
Caring for Your Lumineers
Your child will be able to immediately enjoy their new smile, often without any post-procedure discomfort or sensitivity.
Cerinate®, the company that manufactures Lumineers, also provides a warranty on their veneers to help protect your investment. Furthermore, clinical trials show that Lumineers can last up to 20 years.
To care for their Lumineers, your child should:
- Avoid crunchy and sticky foods for about 24–48 hours
- Continue to brush and floss regularly
- Wear a mouthguard if they grind their teeth at night
- Continue to go to the dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups
Patients in Ashburn, VA – Schedule a Consultation for Lumineers Today
If your child’s smile is affected by cosmetic imperfections that prevent them from smiling confidently, we encourage you to ask our dentists about personalized treatment with Lumineers.
At Ashburn Children’s Dentistry, we create healthy smiles that will last a lifetime.
If you have questions about your child’s smile and how we can address cosmetic imperfections that are giving them trouble, call our office at (703) 723-8440 to set up a Lumineers consultation.