When you’ve improved your smile with Lumineers, you want it to last a lifetime. Lumineers have the ability to give you a picture-perfect smile with just a quick and simple outpatient dental visit. Yet we know this treatment can mean a significant investment.

With the right care, some patients have seen their Lumineers last twenty years or more. And the best news? It’s actually not as hard as you might think to take care of your Lumineers.

How Strong are Lumineers?

Lumineers are a high-quality brand of veneers that are placed over and bonded to the surface of your most visible teeth. They are made from an incredibly strong, high-tech material that looks just like natural teeth.

Lumineers cover discoloration, chips, cracks, short or uneven teeth, and other cosmetic dental issues. And they are so thin – about the thickness of a contact lens – that they don’t typically require any material to be removed from teeth in order for them to fit. Yet, despite being so incredibly thin, they are just as durable as traditional veneers.

How Long Lumineers Last

Lumineers are an excellent and easy option to makeover your smile. But, like many things, they do not last forever. Some evidence even suggests they last longer than traditional veneers. In fact, Lumineers can last anywhere from 10-30 years. Issues that can occur which may require you to replace your veneers include:

• Broken or Worn Veneers: Like the surface of your teeth, Lumineers can become chipped, cracked, or worn over time.
• Veneers Separate from Teeth: This often occurs as a result of underlying decay or poor placement.
• Gaps Around the Gums: Result from gum disease and recession.

Extending the Life of Your Lumineers

Taking proper care of your teeth and Lumineers can help you extend the life of your Lumineers. Luckily, most of our suggestions are the same advice we give for keeping your natural teeth strong and healthy.

Great Brushing Habits

Keeping your teeth healthy is key to keeping your Lumineers strong. After all, your natural teeth still remain intact under your Lumineers. If they become weak or decayed, then the bond between your teeth and your veneers will weaken.

Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes. Continue to use an ADA-approved toothpaste with fluoride. Make sure you floss daily to clean between teeth.

Protect Your Teeth

You can eat all of your favorite foods and engage in normal activities with Lumineers; there are no restrictions. However, just like teeth, veneers can break or crack due to trauma and wear. Avoid chewing on non-food items like pens and pencils, using your teeth as a tool, and munching on hard foods. If you participate in certain sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your Lumineers.

Treat Tooth Grinding

Tooth grinding can wear away tooth enamel and veneers, as well as weaken the adhesive that holds veneers in place. If you suspect you grind your teeth, see your dentist. It is often possible to treat tooth grinding and minimize the potential damage from tooth grinding.

Avoid Stains

The surfaces of Lumineers are stain-resistant. However, the bonding material can become stained from highly-pigmented food or smoking (as can your remaining natural teeth). Furthermore, your exposed teeth surfaces may stain at a different rate than your veneers. Give up smoking and indulge in highly pigmented foods (wine, coffee, berries, etc.) in moderation.

Regular Dental Visits

Don’t skip your twice-a-year dental visits! Just because your teeth look perfect with Lumineers doesn’t mean they no longer need proper care and check-ups. We need to make sure your underlying teeth stay strong and healthy so your Lumineers last.

Choose an Experienced Dentist

Choose a practitioner that has extensive experience with Lumineers to place yours. This step is important so that you can be confident your custom-made new smile will be strong and resilient from the start. If you are interested in improving your smile with high-quality Lumineers, contact our office today.