Dentistry is the known evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the soft and hard tissues of the jaw (mandible), the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent.
An Interview with Dr. Michael S. Yung on Lumineers
Dr. Michael S. Yung is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Lumineers.
Q. What are Lumineers?
A. Lumineers is a unique veneer philosophy and product designed to give someone a brand new smile. The philosophy behind Lumineers is to preserve the tooth as much as possible by suggesting the minimal amount of tooth recontouring necessary to achieve our smile goals. Since very little if any is removed, usually no anesthetic is required. The product is a thin (0.3mm) high density porcelain overlay which covers at least the front part of the tooth which normally shows in your smile. The material can be shaded in a way that looks very natural with ideal translucency.
Q. How are Lumineers different form traditional veneers?
A. Traditional veneers usually require a more aggressive amount of tooth reduction to provide the space for the veneer thickness. Again .3-.5 mm is usually what is needed in most cases, but possibly more if the teeth are very crooked or out of alignment. This form of veneer will require getting the patient numb and involves permanent loss of healthy tooth structure.
Q. Is the Lumineers procedure painful?
A. As I mentioned, since we don't need to do much drilling for most cases, there is no pain.
Q. Can one get Lumineers instead of braces?
A. In some cases, getting Lumineers as opposed to braces or another form of orthodontic system (such as Invisalign, which we provide) is a good alternative. Utilizing mechanisms to straighten teeth in ideal positions takes longer but is preferred. After which, if there is an issue with teeth color, shape or other anomaly, then Lumineers would be implemented. Assuming the teeth are in relative good harmony with the other teeth and are relatively straight, Lumineers is a great tool to brighten and really make your smile pop!
Q. How long will Lumineers last?
A. The only lab where Lumineers are made will warrantee their veneers for 5 years which is unheard of as far as other labs go. The research they have shows a 20 yearr lifetime for veneers which is also great.
Q. Can Lumineers be taken off if I want them removed?
A. The Lumineers can be totally removed and the natural teeth revealed again with little or no change to the smile. That is the beauty of it. Why keep grinding off more of the tooth and getting numbed every time you have to get the veneers changed?
