Lumineers in Los Angeles

Do you want the perfect smile without completely breaking the bank? Porcelain veneers can resolve your smile’s imperfections, but they can be costly. A more affordable option is to get lumineers. As the cheaper, less invasive alternative to traditional veneers, lumineers are growing in popularity every year.

Dr. Anthony Mobasser is a cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles that specializes in lumineer placement. He has provided cosmetic dental procedures to some of the most famous faces in Hollywood for three decades and he can help you get your best smile ever!

What Are Lumineers?

Also known as no-prep veneers, lumineers are made from an ultra-thin layer of porcelain that is placed over an existing tooth without changing or removing any part of the existing tooth. They are considered to be a much more conservative alternative to standard porcelain veneers. They are also less expensive because they involve a less invasive procedure.

Synopsis:

This patient came to us with concerns about their short teeth and gaps between their front teeth, which often trapped food. After discussing various treatment options, including orthodontics, Invisalign, tooth bonding, and no-prep veneers (Lumineers), the patient opted for no-prep veneers despite their higher cost.

This choice was made because no-prep veneers could effectively lengthen the short teeth, were minimally invasive, and had the durability to withstand biting forces. The application of four front no-prep veneers transformed the patient’s smile in just a week, leading to their immense satisfaction.

It’s important to note that no-prep veneers are not suitable for everyone and require a prior evaluation of the existing bite on a case-by-case basis.

Imperfections that Lumineers Can Correct

The goal of lumineers is to correct minor to moderate dental imperfections without the cost or structural changes required by veneers. Lumineers can be used to treat any of the following conditions:

• Chipped teeth
• Cracks in teeth
• Inverted teeth
• Very mild stains or discoloration
• Minor gaps between teeth
• Small teeth
• Crooked teeth

Since lumineers are incredibly thin (0.3 to 0.5mm), they are not recommended as a solution for severe stains or discoloration.

Lumineers can be as thin as a contact lens, which means that significant staining or discoloration will likely show through the lumineer. For patients whose primary goal is to have whiter teeth, Dr. Mobasser recommends two options:  Having their teeth bleached before lumineer placement or opting for porcelain veneers instead.

Are Lumineers Expensive?

Many people choose lumineers over porcelain veneers because of the difference in cost. Porcelain veneers placed by expert cosmetic dentists can be somewhat expensive, particularly in cities like Los Angeles. Lumineers placed by expert cosmetic dentists are typically less, even in cities with high demand.

How Are Lumineers Placed?

The primary benefit of lumineers is the ease of the procedure. Placing lumineers is significantly less invasive than placing porcelain veneers. They are often referred to as no-prep veneers because the process is much simpler than it is with porcelain veneers. They don’t require shaving or re-shaping the existing tooth.

A lumineer should be placed on a full, unaltered existing tooth.

Before the procedure, Dr. Mobasser will examine your teeth to make sure that lumineers are the best option for your specific needs. During this examination, the following factors will be taken into consideration:

Bite

While lumineers are very thin, they still add a new layer to the teeth. The patient’s bite must be able to accommodate the change in shape and size that lumineers will create.

Gum Health

When doing dental work of any kind, gum health is of utmost importance. Your gums are the foundation of your overall dental health. Dr. Mobasser wants your entire mouth to be healthy before placing your lumineers.

Teeth Grinding

Since lumineers are ultra-thin, they are more susceptible to damage than porcelain veneers. Patients who have a history of grinding their teeth are not good candidates for lumineers. Grinding can actually wear down the lumineers and decrease their longevity.

Stains and Discoloration

Lumineers are not recommended for patients who want to significantly whiten their teeth unless they receive a whitening treatment prior to placement. This is because the thin material of the lumineer allows the color of the existing tooth to show through.

If a patient has severe discoloration, Dr. Anthony Mobasser will likely recommend porcelain veneers or bleaching before lumineer placement.

Number of Lumineers Needed

The number of lumineers that need to be placed will vary from patient to patient. Some patients want to transform their entire smile, while others just want to correct a few teeth that have imperfections. Dr. Mobasser will assess your dental needs and determine which teeth would benefit from no-prep veneers and how many lumineers would be necessary to improve your overall smile.

Spacing and Gaps

Lumineers can resolve minor issues with spacing in your teeth. If there are small gaps or empty spaces on the sides of your smile, the thin added layer of lumineers may resolve this.

For patients with larger gaps or more significant spacing issues, the added bulk of porcelain veneers may be a better choice to achieve a fuller smile.

Desired Outcome

The most important factor in deciding whether a patient should have lumineers vs. porcelain veneers is what their desired outcome is. If the patient is looking to whiten a severely discolored smile, lumineers may not be the best option. If the patient is looking to correct cracks, chips, or minor spacing issues, lumineers are a great solution for a beautiful smile.

The Process for Placing Lumineers

Once your teeth are examined and it’s determined that you are a good candidate for lumineers, Dr. Mobasser will begin the process of your lumineer placement.

While the process for porcelain veneers can require up to a month between your first consultation and final placement, the lumineer process is much quicker and simpler. This is why they are known as “no-prep veneers.”

No anesthetic is necessary for the procedure. This is because the teeth need no re-shaping or preparation beforehand. Your teeth can be left as they are while your lumineers are custom designed.

Once the lumineers are ready, they are simply bound to the teeth with an adhesive. Dr. Mobasser has created his own specialized bonding technique to ensure that your lumineers have the longest lifespan possible.

How to Care for Your Lumineers

One downside to lumineers is that they do not have the durability of traditional porcelain veneers. Due to their thin design, no-prep veneers are more susceptible to damage. This means you need to be extra cautious if you want your lumineers to have a long lifespan.

Lumineers usually last about 5 to 20 years, depending on how well they are cared for. Lumineers that are placed by an expert cosmetic dentist like Dr. Mobasser can last even longer when they are properly maintained.

Once your lumineers are placed, Dr. Mobasser can advise you on the best dental care products to extend the longevity of your no-prep veneers.

Getting Lumineers in Los Angeles with Dr. Mobasser

Are you interested in getting lumineers to improve your smile? Turn to Dr. Anthony Mobasser in Los Angeles. Dr. Mobasser has been in the cosmetic dental industry for over 30 years. His long list of celebrity clientele are proud to show off their custom-made smiles to the world, thanks to his expertise. You’ve likely even seen some of his work in your favorite movies and television shows!

If you want an A-list smile, don’t hesitate to contact us. To schedule your free consultation, call our office today. We can set you up with an appointment to be evaluated for lumineer placement, getting you one step closer to your perfect smile!