Lumineers can correct a number of cosmetic dental issues and completely transform your smile. Such a dramatic transformation has to come with some serious downtime, right?

Luckily, there is very little, if any, recovery associated with getting Lumineers. But getting veneers doesn’t mean your oral health care ends. Continue reading to find out what to expect after your Lumineer placement and how to care for your new smile.

Recovering from Lumineers

Some of the benefits of investing in Lumineers are fewer visits, easier placement, and getting back to your normal life quickly.

Placement

Lumineers are ultra-thin veneers that closely mimic the look of natural teeth. While traditional veneers require multiple appointments, which include preparing teeth by removing part of the outer tooth structure to make enough space for the veneer, Lumineers are so thin they often do not require this step.

After discussing Lumineers with your dentist and determining you are a good candidate, a impression of your teeth will be taken in order to fabricate the custom Lumineers. A second visit is required to place them. At this visit, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned, and the veneers will be secured to the surface of your teeth. Anesthetic is typically not required during this process. For this reason, and because of the lack of prep, this appointment is surprisingly short: 1-2 hours typically.

Recovery

As we mentioned, there is little to no recovery. With traditional veneer prep, teeth may be sensitive for a day or two, and the anesthetic will take time to wear off. Often with Lumineers, that is not the case because there is no prep and no need to numb the area. If your Lumineers do require prep, be prepared for mild discomfort for a couple of days, and feel free to use an over-the-counter pain reliever to help.

Your new Lumineers may feel noticeable at first, and the feeling can take some time to get used to. Speaking, chewing, and the amount of saliva you produce may seem abnormal. This is normal for a few days after your procedure and should not affect your day-to-day life. After a short adjustment period, you should not even notice your Lumineers.

Caring for Lumineers

Proper oral hygiene after getting Lumineers is critical not only for the health of your mouth but also for keeping your Lumineers in good shape for a long time.

Brushing and Flossing Lumineers

Brush and floss with Lumineers the same way you would with your natural teeth. This means gently brushing with a soft-bristled brush two times a day for two full minutes, as well as flossing daily. Be thorough with your daily cleaning, but not overly aggressive, as you can damage your Lumineers.

Avoid Damaging Foods

Certain foods are not the best choice for dental health or for veneers. Chewing hard candy, non-food items, or ice can chip teeth and veneers. Sugar causes tooth decay even if you have veneers. Lastly, while Lumineers resist staining, you want to avoid foods and habits (like smoking) that can stain your natural teeth. Over time the difference in shades can become noticeable.

Get Regular Dental Visits

Even after Lumineers, it is extremely important to keep up with regular dental visits twice a year. Your dentist will check on the condition of your veneers as well as the health of the rest of your teeth. Strong teeth are required to properly support your beautiful new veneers. Remember, dental health is about a lot more than just the look of your smile.

Ready to Change Your Smile for the Better?

If you are ready to consider a smile makeover with the ease of Lumineers, contact our office for a free Lumineers consultation today!