I have considered fixing my teeth for over a year but what’s holding me back is my uncertainty over the best dental procedure for me. Two of my front teeth are irregular. One tooth is thin and has a triangular shape and the other tooth looks broken. I’ve been thinking about having Lumineers or veneers done but am unsure what is the best choice. I’ve heard Lumineers crack easily but I don’t know if this is true.

I went to a cosmetic dentist and he recommended veneers as my teeth are worn already and they would have to be ground down more and the durability might be compromised.  This procedure is very expensive so I want to be sure I spend my money wisely and don’t have any issues.  What do you suggest?

– Anna from Texas

Anna,

There are a few things to consider before having your cosmetic procedure done.

To clarify, Lumineers is just one brand of many brands of porcelain veneers.

Lumineers are strong enough and you will have a nice smile. Sometimes, however, they may appear slightly opaque and pasty-looking so you want to see a cosmetic dentist who has lots of experience placing them. If you’re concerned about the look, you may opt for veneers but this up to you. Also, since they’re a trademarked brand, the dentist has to send them to an approved Lumineers laboratory in Santa Monica, California and has less control over the look of them. This is why it’s important to do your homework and find a great cosmetic dentist.

Smile makeovers vary from one dentist to another and are dependent on experience and true artistic talent. You mentioned visiting a cosmetic dentist. It’s important to know if this dentist has had extra training. Because cosmetic dentistry is an unregulated field, there’s no special training to announce you’re a cosmetic dentist. However, true cosmetic dentists spend time and money on specialized courses to hone their cosmetic dentistry talents.

Be sure you ask about their training, get referrals, or check out their ‘smile gallery’ on their website before you commit to having work done.

To answer your concern about durability, this is more dependent on the dentist’s techniques rather than the material. All porcelains are hard but they have somewhat brittle properties. Their strength occurs when they are bonded to teeth. When Lumineers crack, the most common reason is because they are not bonded properly. When they are done right, they are strong and you won’t have any issues.

This blog sponsored by Dr. Whitmore of Whitmore Dental