What problems does the installation of veneers or lumineers solve, how do they differ from other ways of teeth restoration, are there any contraindications? Let’s find out!
What Are Veneers and Lumineers
A veneer is a thin plate (0.2–0.6 mm), which is fixed on the front surface of the tooth. Modern veneers require very little enamel grinding - 0.3–1 mm. Veneers are used if the teeth are very large or strongly protruding. Then they should not be further increased due to the lining on top of the enamel, and it is better to grind it to the minimum.
Lumineer is also a very thin plate (0.2–0.3 mm) but is fixed on the front surface of the tooth without grinding. Such plates are used in the case of small teeth if there are gaps between them.
Indications: What Problems Do Veneers and Lumineers Solve
Both veneers and lumineers solve two groups of problems: aesthetic and functional. Aesthetic problems include:
- the shape and height of the teeth;
- defects of enamel, its color or pigmentation;
- the presence of old fillings that the patient wants to hide.
The following is considered for functional problems:
- tooth defects, such as cracks and chips;
- increased interdental spaces;
- slight bite defects (for example, one tooth is shorter than all the others in a row).
Also, composite veneers and lumineers help fight age-related changes and create a rejuvenating effect. With age, all people lose their teeth due to chewing loads and friction of the teeth on cheeks, lips, and tongue when talking. Firstly, because of this, the height of the smile is lost, and secondly, the dentin appears through the erased enamel, which contains pigments that give the tooth a yellowish or grayish color. Installing veneers or lumineers helps to return the teeth height and beautiful color and thus rejuvenates the smile.
Contraindications: For Whom Veneers and Lumineers Are Not Suitable
A relative contraindication is the minimum age of 16. During this period, the bite, enamel, and teeth are maturing, and therefore veneers are not placed so as not to disturb the natural course of this process.
The only absolute contraindication for lumineers or veneers is very badly damaged teeth. This type of restoration is suitable for relatively intact teeth with some defects. For example, if the front teeth due to cervical caries were sealed and restored several times with an artistic restoration, then they can be closed with veneers or lumineers. This will avoid changing seals that have a limited lifespan, while veneer or lumineer will solve problems for many years. But if the front teeth were broken or lost a large volume of the crown, then you will have to use ceramic crowns.
Care for Veneers and Lumineers
They do not require any special care. Just like natural teeth, you need to brush them twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, and once every six months you should undergo an examination and professional cleaning by a dentist. You don’t need any special toothpaste or brushes. You can also use floss and irrigator.