Lumineers FAQ

Answers to all your questions about San Antonio Lumineers

How are LUMINEERS different from traditional veneers?

LUMINEERS are unique in that they are ultra-thin (approximately 0.2 mm) and highly translucent, allowing them to reproduce the natural appearance of enamel. Lumineers dental veneers are much thinner than traditional veneers. We don't use thicker veneers which require grinding down of your original tooth structure. LUMINEERS are thin enough that little to no tooth grinding is necessary. Additionally, the durability of LUMINEERS allows them to resist wear and remain resilient to last over 20 years.

Is the LUMINEERS procedure painful?

Getting ultra-thin veneers is one of the least invasive dental procedures available. LUMINEERS procedure is a pain-free way to reshape and permanently whiten your teeth. Because they are  so thin, in most cases you will get a perfect fit without shots or grinding down of the original tooth structure. Also once the Lumineers have been placed, there is no discomfort or sensitivity later on. LUMINEERS look natural and feel comfortable right from the moment they are placed onto your natural teeth.

I think I need braces, but I heard sometimes teeth can be fixed with LUMINEERS?

In most cases, yes! Your dentist will be able to evaluate your dental situation and decide whether braces are needed. sometimes, if you do not have severely mis-aligned teeth, LUMINEERS can be used to reshape your teeth, making them look straighter and more uniform, as well as whiter, something you don’t get with braces. In fact here at Cosmetic Dental Associates, we pride ourselves on our ability to solve almost all cases with Lumineers or a combination of Lumineers and invisible Invisalign braces.

How long do the LUMINEERS last for?

Testing has proven that your new LUMINEERS smile will last and look great for over 20 years.

How long does it take to get LUMINEERS?

The whole process takes only 2 visits to your dentist and on your second visit when the Lumineers are placed, you can expect to be complete in an hour.

What gets done with a LUMINEERS procedure?

On the first visit, Cosmetic Dental Associates of San Antonio will create a precise mold of your teeth. Then one of our cosmetic dentists will consult with you and together you will determine the shade of white that is right for you. Then our cosmetic dentist will send everything to the LUMINEERS Smile Design Studio for your custom LUMINEERS to be created. With LUMINEERS, there are no temporaries. Once Cosmetic Dental Associates receives your custom LUMINEERS, our dentist checks them for fit and shade. Then when you are in our dental practice for your your second visit, your LUMINEERS are painlessly applied without shots or drilling of sensitive tooth structure. And you’re ready to start smiling out loud!

With LUMINEERS, can I still chew gum and eat my favorite sticky foods?

Drink and eat whatever you want. LUMINEERS are applied in the most durable way possible. However, LUMINEERS don’t replace good hygiene, so you should continue to visit your dentist every 6 months for a check-up and cleaning to keep your LUMINEERS looking their best and the rest of your teeth and gums healthy.

Can LUMINEERS be taken off if I want them removed?

In most cases, Yes. LUMINEERS are normally completely reversible because there’s no grinding down of healthy tooth structure. Your natural teeth are normally still intact and strong. If you have any questions about your particular case, come in for a free consultation.

Are LUMINEERS used a lot?

Over 13,000 dentists nationwide use LUMINEERS and over 250,000 people already have LUMINEERS. Not that you would be able to tell… because they look completely natural.