Asheville Lumineers

Dr. Robert E. Powell is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Lumineers.


Q. What are Lumineers?

A. Lumineers are basically a brand name type of veneer that requires no or limited dental prep.

Q. How are Lumineers different from traditional veneers?

A. Lumineers is one type of veneer, there are basically three types available on the market today: no-prep; minimal prep; and full-prep.  Prep meaning how much enamel the dentist needs to remove in order for the veneer to work and to last.

Before receiving any type of veneer, patients need to have one-one time with the dentist to determine the condition of their teeth, the type of issue they want to fix, and how much enamel needs to be removed from the teeth. There is no right or wrong here, every patient is different and finding the right type of veneer is important for both the patient’s health and overall appearance.  A patient with perfect healthy teeth, whose only issue is they don’t like the color of shape of their teeth,  would naturally want to keep the amount of enamel removal to a minimum, making them a better candidate for no-prep or minimum pre-veneers. A person with extensive decay and old fillings would need more enamel reduction, making minimal prep or full-prep veneers a better option. Another example is a  patient with crowded teeth would need enamel reduction to make them straight, whereas a patient  with spaces between their teeth would not. It is important to talk extensively with your dentist, ask questions, and together find the right answer and fit for you.

Q. Is the Lumineers procedure painful?

A. No, really there is no pain involved in the process.

Q. Can one get Lumineers instead of braces?

A. In some cases Lumineers can certainly take the place of braces, however new orthodontic procedures have been introduced that provide new and better options.  While, we will continue to offer Luminners and other veneer procedures in my office, I am finding that many of my patients are better suited for the new orthodontic procedure , called six month smiles. For some patients, six month smiles provides a more long lasting solution with no chance of future chipping and can be up to half the cost.

Six month smiles is a method to help adults and teens with crooked teeth (who simply experience a relapse from traditional braces or who have never had braces) straighten out their smiles in just six months. We  use clear brackets and white wires, so patients are able to achieve beautiful results in six months vs. two years with Invisalign or traditional orthodontics.  Again, we always discuss all the options with our patients, but I am finding because they are more long lasting there are no chances of future chipping or replacement and the cost is a third, the new procedure is the way to go.

Q. How long will Lumineers last?

A. Every case is different, they can last up to twenty years.
However, because they can chip or break, we need to find patients with grinding issues other options.

Q. Can Lumineers be taken off if I want them removed?

A. Yes absolutely, but I have never even been asked to remove them. Our patients have been quite pleased with the results.

Q. How much do Lumineers cost?

A. Average case is $8000 to $12, 000. 

Q. How to contact Dr. Powell?

A. Please call our office, 828-274-3882, or visit our website <http://www.ashevilledentalcare.com>
www.ashevilledentalcare.com