Whether your teeth are discolored or crooked, there are a variety of ways dentists can improve your smile. Fortunately, one restoration option can solve many cosmetic dental issues at once: lumineers.  A cutting-edge alternative to traditional veneers, here’s why you should consider this solution. 

What Are Lumineers? 

Both veneers and lumineers are thin, single-sided, and tooth-colored laminates that attach to the front of your tooth to correct color, texture, and tooth symmetry. However, unlike veneers, which can be as thick as 0.5 millimeters, lumineers are much thinner—about 0.2 to 0.3mm. 

Lumineers are placed during a few quick visits to a dentist. During the first appointment, molds will be taken of your teeth and sent to the dental lab, where your personalized lumineers will be designed. During your second visit, your teeth will be prepared with a special microscopic etching solution, and the lumineers will be secured to your teeth with special dental cement. Finally, they’ll be polished carefully. 

What Benefits Do Lumineers Offer? 

Lumineers are up to half as thick as traditional veneers, so less preparatory work is required to place them on the surface of the teeth. Plus, while traditional veneers require filing down dental enamel to allow the pieces to sit flat against the surface of the tooth, lumineers can be placed without this step, preserving the natural tooth structure and preventing other issues like sensitivity. 

Lumineers look incredibly realistic, helping dentists to resolve a variety of dental issues, including gaps between the teeth, uneven dental symmetry, surface cracks, and the appearance of crooked teeth. Finally, they can be completely customized to your smile, allowing you to choose the shade, shape, and overall appearance. 

If you have dental issues that you would like to have fixed, reach out to Dental Clinic of Onalaska in La Crosse County, WI. With a commitment to finding personalized solutions for his patients, Dr. Mike Olsen is dedicated to helping people overcome the health problems that can stem from decayed or damaged teeth. To find out more about how he can help you improve your smile and confidence, visit his website or call (608) 783-3341.