Lumineers Archives - Coleman Dental

The dentist put stain on my Lumineers.

May 8, 2019 by Dr. Scott Coleman

I just spent over $13K on Lumineers. The dentist that did them ordered stain because it was supposed to help them look more natural. I really was hoping for a bright, white look. But what he ended up doing is ugly. Then, when I complained about it he decided to drill off the top portion of them so they could be whitened. Now they look dull and the shape isn’t right. Was drilling the correct thing to do? I cannot believe I feel this way after spending so much money. Do you have any advice?

– Denise in Missouri

Denise,

Well, unfortunately it sounds like the damage is done at this point. There isn’t that much that can be done, unless their appearance is bad enough. The only way you may be able to recoup some of the cost is to see a new dentist that sides with you and pressures the first dentist into some sort of refund so you can have the work re-done.

Thank you for sharing your story about your Lumineers mishap though. Hopefully, it will help someone else be a little more careful in selecting a dentist for cosmetic dentistry. What most people fail to realize is that fewer than one or two percent of dentists have the artistic ability and passion to create a beautiful smile with porcelain veneers. Most expert cosmetic dentists won’t even place Lumineers. They come with strict trademark regulations that they be done in the Lumineers lab and they are not very natural-looking because they tend to look long and bulky.

The stain you described is a technique that was taught in dental school as a way to make teeth appear more natural-looking. So it is likely that the dentist was trying to follow this recommendation. The thing is, it doesn’t look natural in many cases. There are so many factors involved in creating beautiful cosmetic dentistry that far too few truly understand, as well as an expert-level understanding of the bonding techniques and methods used to place them.

Sadly, you will likely want to have these veneers redone in the future. This next time around, ask to see cases similar to yours, check their credentials, and go with someone that offers a beautiful smile guarantee. Most excellent cosmetic dentists will offer some type of assurance that if you don’t love the way the veneers look before they are permanently bonded, they will be sent back to the lab.

Thank you for your question and best of luck!

This post is sponsored by Houston cosmetic dentist Coleman Dental.

Can new Lumineers be put over top of old ones?

May 8, 2019 by Dr. Scott Coleman

I have Lumineers and have for years. They don’t look that great anymore. Have you ever heard of placing new Lumineers over old ones to freshen up a smile? I understand teeth whitening won’t work on Lumineers. So, I was wondering if adding a new layer of Lumineers would improve how they look? When I originally had them done, my dentist knew I wanted them whiter but he was told that wasn’t an option. He’s a nice guy and I’ve been happy with him for most of my treatment, but I don’t think I need to keep my “dingy” teeth when I’m sure there is a way they can be better? Do you have any insight?

-Lisa in Michigan

Lisa,

Technically, it is possible to place new Lumineers over old Lumineers. But that’s just silly.

Just for clarification and for any other web viewers reading this response, it is important to realize the Lumineers are just another brand of porcelain veneers. Lumineers are popular, mainly because of the huge advertising campaign behind them. At one time, several years ago, the Lumineers brand was promoting the option to place Lumineers on top of crowns. So, it is possible you saw something about that. But, the truth is that most patients didn’t like them. There was no shortage of reader complaints and the company no longer promotes this approach. Placing new Lumineers over old ones is similar to the concept of covering crowns with them.

If a dentist was to place new porcelain veneers (Lumineers) over old ones, he or she would essentially be doing them over anyway. For example, the old veneers would require preparation and you would get a much better result if they were simply redone. You also would run the risk of the final product being too thick and not looking natural.

This idea of placing new ones on top of the old ones, really wouldn’t have the staying power of having the smile makeover redone either. When porcelain is bonded onto porcelain, the bond isn’t as strong or successful as if the tooth bonding was done to a natural tooth. Think about this possibility as well, what happens when the veneer underneath has issues? Again, it is in your best interest to have them redone. Otherwise you run the risk of them looking funny and they may stain more easily along the margin.

Also, going back to your original question about your dentist claiming that a whiter color wasn’t available, that is just not right. It sounds like your dentist may be a great general or family dentist. But cosmetic dentistry isn’t his thing. In order to do beautiful cosmetic dentistry, a dentist must undergo extensive training beyond dental school. It also takes a passion for aesthetics and an artistic eye to deliver truly beautiful results. You may not realize that less than two percent of dentists will create a stunning smile makeover. So, maybe it’s time to consult with an expert cosmetic dentist that can give you the smile you have always wanted.

This post is sponsored by Houston cosmetic dentist Coleman Dental.

Can I Request a Refund for Discolored and Broken Lumineers?

May 8, 2019 by Dr. Scott Coleman

All I wanted to do was close a gap between my two front teeth and correct a chip on one from when I was a kid. My dentist told me that Lumineers was the way to go and he promised me a beautiful smile. But he wanted to do all six of my top front teeth to make sure it matched. I was a little uneasy about it because I really just wanted the middle two done. He said he couldn’t make it look nice unless I did all of them. Okay. I went along with it. We went through the prep day and everything seemed fine, but the day I went in to have them put on, one of them was cracked in the box. Really!? I can’t believe they didn’t realize it was broken until it got there. He then says he’s going to put the rest on and send that one back, and another one breaks while he’s cementing them. So, I go around looking goofy for a couple of weeks and go back for the other two, but they don’t match. He agrees to reorder them, and while we’re waiting, a third one breaks. I just want to be done with this. I have been waiting for months at this point and he still hasn’t gotten it right. Is this a common problem with Lumineers? If so, do I have grounds to request a refund?

Thanks,

Art in Georgia

Dear Art,

Lumineers, as a whole, can sometimes look okay, though it really depends on how skilled the dentist is. Unfortunately, a lot of dentists got it into their heads that the no-prep philosophy meant that they were easy to do, and they jumped right in and started giving them to patients. It’s under these circumstances that there are usually a lot of complaints about breakage, though having one arrive broken is certainly rare.

As for requesting a refund, you can always ask. He’ll probably want an opportunity to correct the work, though if he’s unskilled, any new work will likely wind up exactly the same.

If you decide to have them redone by another doctor, it’s best not to ask for the brand name. Many doctors who are incredibly skilled at cosmetic work use a similar ultra-thin veneer, though they use an in-house or local lab to make them. It’s also wise to ask for before and after photos of the doctor’s actual patients, so you can examine his work. Some will offer you stock photos, or images of patients who have had the same treatment, but they’re useless if they don’t showcase the cosmetic dentist’s personal skill. Best of luck to you.

This post is sponsored by Houston cosmetic dentist Coleman Dental.

Will a night guard protect my cosmetic dentistry while I sleep?

May 6, 2019 by Dr. Scott Coleman

I just spent a lot of money on a smile makeover. I now have eight Lumineers on my front teeth. Now, the dentist is telling me I need a night guard? Is this important? He said he can tell I grind my teeth but I really am not aware of this. I am stretching my budget and feel like he’s just selling me. If I don’t need it, I don’t want to fork out the extra money for it. Anyone heard of this?

– Melissa in Missouri

Melissa,

Cosmetic dentistry can be expensive. Although, it should be assumed that your cosmetic dentist has your best interest in mind. If he has seen hints of damage on your teeth and can tell you have been grinding, a night guard is well worth protecting the investment you just made on your beautiful new smile. An oral appliance helps to protect many cosmetic dentistry treatments like Lumineers and porcelain veneers, or porcelain crowns. Veneers may chip or crack under the force of night grinding.

Another thing worth mentioning is that since your Lumineers are new, they feel different to your body. So many people will grind subconsciously because of that. If your bite feels different, grinding, biting, and clenching can occur while you are asleep. In addition to breaking, the Lumineers may come off if left unprotected and. A night guard will also help to prevent gum recession.

You can expect a new night guard to be a couple hundred dollars or more. But when you compare what you have already paid on your smile makeover, hopefully you agree it is worth spending.

Unfortunately, your dentist should have mentioned this at the beginning of treatment so you don’t feel like he is trying to sell you. But you strongly should consider getting a night guard if you are a grinder.

This post is sponsored by Houston cosmetic dentist Coleman Dental.

Lumineers keep falling off!

May 6, 2019 by Dr. Scott Coleman

I was so excited to finally get my new Lumineers! I ended up getting five put on my teeth which I was excited about at first. But, I’m about at my wits end because they keep falling off. I keep having to go back to the dentist to have them bonded again. It is getting so annoying. But this time when one came off, I swallowed it. Are you kidding me? Now my dentist is suggesting porcelain veneers that are supposed to be something like $1,200 a tooth. But I just paid a lot of money (by my standards) for Lumineers. Any advice? I don’t know what to do.

– Kelli in Arizona

Kelli,

Sorry to hear that your Lumineers are giving you so much trouble. You may be surprised to hear that this isn’t that uncommon with Lumineers. Many times patients simply aren’t happy with the result. Although the marketing behind the brand makes them sound like the best thing since sliced bread, the no-preparation technique sometimes can leave them looking bulky, too long, and when they are done by a dentist that may not have that much training in cosmetic dentistry, they sometimes fall off.

Whether you are interested in Lumineers or traditional porcelain veneers, it’s the cosmetic dentist that matters. There is much advanced training required beyond dental school to do beautiful cosmetic dentistry. They must also possess an artistic eye, understand the advanced bonding techniques and materials required, and really understand what you are trying to accomplish with your smile design to deliver a beautiful smile. But since cosmetic dentistry isn’t a regulated field within dentistry, any dentist can place them. As a patient, you tend to take a dentist at his or her word. But you really need to investigate and research their credentials and experience to understand their skill level. Ask to see cases similar to yours, check out their training, and ask for testimonials. An excellent cosmetic dentist will not hesitate to win you over.

As for moving forward with your current dentist, maybe you could request that the amount that you are due for the Lumineers is credited toward porcelain veneers. That said, investigating their experience would be wise before making any final decision.

This post is sponsored by Houston cosmetic dentist Cosmetic Dental.

Is there Hope for My Lumineers Nightmare?

May 4, 2019 by Dr. Scott Coleman

I literally spent thousands of dollars to have Lumineers done across my four front teeth. They didn’t feel right from the moment my dentist put them on, but they told me I would adjust. Sadly, I have not been given the opportunity, because the darn things keep falling off. Seriously, not two days later after they were put on, I was back in the office having one of them put on again. A couple days later, another one popped off. This has been going on for months and I don’t think I’ve gone two weeks without having to go back in. I just finished eating dinner and I realized my teeth felt funny, so I went and looked and two of them are gone. TWO! I think I must have swallowed them with dinner. Now that’s a concern for obvious reasons, but I’m also worried the dentist is going to charge me for a whole new set because I don’t have anything for him to glue back on this time. I really wish I had never had them done in the first place. What should I do?

Thanks,

Peter in Washington

Dear Peter,

First off, swallowing your Lumineers probably isn’t a huge cause for concern. These things tend to pass without issue and you probably won’t even notice when it leaves your system. The fact that they keep coming off, however, is a concern. Your dentist is bonding them wrong, and he should have figured that out by now. Or he should have come up with an alternate treatment if he couldn’t get them to work. If you want to stick with Lumineers, you should find a cosmetic dentist who does them frequently and has a high rate of success.

There was nothing that you could have done to prevent the issues- it’s a technique error. As such, it’s your dentist’s responsibility to repair or replace them. If you feel confident enough that your dentist can perform an alternate treatment, perhaps porcelain veneers, you might have some success. The only other real alternative is to ask for a refund and find a cosmetic dentist who can repair or redo the work.

Also, you probably don’t want to hear this now, but the best cosmetic dentists refuse to place Lumineers. Each has their own reasons, but the majority feel that a much more beautiful result can be done with other brands of porcelain veneers. So, if you aren’t confident that your current dentist can give you a smile you will fall in love with, it’s time to move on. Not just any dentist can do cosmetic dentistry well. But since it’s not a regulated field within dentistry, any dentist can claim to do it without any extra training. So be careful in asking your dentist to do something he isn’t completely confident in. Or you could be looking at a bigger nightmare than you are already dealing with. Thank you for your question. Hopefully, it helps someone else considering Lumineers.

This post is sponsored by Houston cosmetic dentist Coleman Dental.

Is it possible to lighten Lumineers?

May 2, 2019 by Dr. Scott Coleman

I had to save up quite a bit to cover the cost of the Lumineers I had done a couple years ago. My dentist kept referring to them as dental bonding or no-prep veneers. He did it all in on appointment. I am sadly disappointed, as they are starting to discolor already, after how much I spent on them. Do you know if it’s possible to lighten Lumineers?

-Jen in Nevada

Jen,

It is unfortunate that you are unhappy with your Lumineers. But dental bonding and Lumineers are two different types of cosmetic dentistry treatment. Porcelain veneers usually don’t discolor in such a short time and Lumineers are a brand of ultra-thin porcelain veneers. It is possible that you had dental bonding done and not Lumineers. When tooth bonding is done, it can discolor in this time frame. It requires going in for touch-ups and having it redone.

If indeed you had dental bonding done, which is sounds like you did, it may be time to consider porcelain veneers. When veneers are done properly by an expert cosmetic dentist, they can last for 15-20, sometimes even 30 years with regular maintenance. Now, if you did actually have Lumineers done in the first place, they cannot be lightened. Teeth whitening is only effective on natural teeth. Unfortunately it sounds like any option you choose to update the cosmetic dentistry work will require having it redone.

Don’t be bashful in addressing payment plans or possibly considering financing, if you are concerned about the cost of having the cosmetic dentistry redone.

This post is sponsored by Houston cosmetic dentist Coleman Dental.

Are my knock-off, generic Lumineers the cause of my terrible breath?

May 1, 2019 by Dr. Scott Coleman

I have been really working on getting in shape and taking care of myself. When I reached my weight loss goal last year, I thought it would be fun to reward my hard work with a new smile. I asked my dentist about Lumineers and he first recommended we take care of some periodontal disease. After that was taken care of, he told me he doesn’t do Lumineers but uses some other ultra-thin veneer. I trusted my dentist about the brand because he has always taken care of me. I couldn’t be happier with the way they look. I can’t stop smiling, literally! But there is a huge drawback no one ever warned me about. My breath stinks! When I talk with my dentist he is telling me that I’m not properly doing hygiene at home, but I totally am. It is bazaar because I can smell the stink on my toothbrush right after I’m done brushing. Have you ever heard of this before? Is this because my dentist used some knock-off brand?

– Coleen in New Jersey

Coleen,

Many dentists don’t agree with all the hype that comes along with the marketing efforts of the Lumineers company. Many feel there are other brands of ultra-thin porcelain veneers that look much nicer and they also don’t have the trademark or laboratory requirements that Lumineers do. Most highly skilled cosmetic dentists prefer other brands of porcelain veneers.

Even though the timing of your bad breath issue seems to be pointing to your new veneers, it is quite unlikely that they are the problem. In most cases, this is a dietary change. You mention that you lost a lot of weight recently. Take a look at what you are consuming daily because it affects your breath. Also, periodontal disease contributes to an odor that you probably became used to if you had it for awhile. So when that was corrected, the smell likely subsided. But if it’s been some time since your last professional cleaning, it may be that your gums are beginning to have issues again.

It may be worth your while to invest in a deep cleaning. Be sure that you communicate with your hygienist and hopefully he or she can take some extra time and teach you some proper hygiene habits at home to eliminate this from reoccurring. If periodontal disease is something you have been struggling with, you may want to go in more frequently for cleanings to help keep it under control.

If you are convinced it is not a diet or hygiene issue, there is nothing wrong with seeking a second opinion from a different cosmetic dentist. There are some cases where veneers fail to bond correctly. Or sometimes the shape may be picking up bacteria or food particles. Hopefully, this information was helpful. Good luck! Glad to hear you love the way your new smile looks. Think of how much more you will love it when this issue is taken care of.

This post is sponsored by Houston cosmetic dentist Coleman Dental.

Will Lumineers give me horse teeth?

April 29, 2019 by Dr. Scott Coleman

Every time I think I’m ready to move forward with Lumineers, I see someone that looks like they have horse teeth. But I’ve had it with my ugly, discolored teeth. One of my front teeth even has a crack in it. I feel like every conversation I have, someone is staring at my teeth. So I know I need to do something, I just don’t want to end up with a smile looking worse off than before I started. I can tell when people get dental work done and I can’t afford to blow it. How do I know my Lumineers will be natural-looking and not look like Mr. Ed?

– Sandra in West Virginia

Sandra,

You are smart to do your research before moving forward with any cosmetic dentistry treatment. You care also correct, in that there are far too many botched smile makeovers and many are from Lumineers.

What you may not realize is that Lumineers are just a particular brand of porcelain veneers. They are ultra-thin and do not require any tooth preparation. But many patients feel that the result is unnatural and bulky. Many skilled cosmetic dentists don’t like Lumineers either because the brand comes with the requirement that they be done in the manufacturer’s lab.

Instead of setting your mind on a particular treatment option, you will be much better served to research the best cosmetic dentist in your geographic area. Not just any dentist does beautiful porcelain veneers. This makes it difficult as a patient because you typically will trust that a dentist knows what he or she is doing. But to do beautiful cosmetic dentistry requires extensive advanced training beyond dental school. There are highly sophisticated bonding techniques and technologies that need to be mastered.

Traditional porcelain veneers do require a very tiny portion of your tooth to be shaved down. This intimates some people but this step is imperative in getting a seamless transition between the veneer and the tooth.

A great cosmetic dentist wants you to fall in love with your smile and not walk away with any regrets. Many excellent cosmetic dentists will even offer a beautiful smile guarantee. This enables you to see exactly what your new veneers will look like before they are permanently bonded into place. Ask to see examples of their work and of cases similar to yours. And of course, check out their credentials.

This post is sponsored by Houston cosmetic dentist Coleman Dental.

What’s cheaper Lumineers or Durathin veneers?

April 29, 2019 by Dr. Scott Coleman

I want to get a smile makeover and have been comparing DURAthinveneers to Lumineers. Which one is cheaper? I think I am gravitating toward the photographs I’ve seen of Durathin. But I’m keeping my options open.

-Amanda in New Jersey

Amanda,

The first question that needs to be asked is, have you consulted with a cosmetic dentist yet? Or have you been searching online looking at pictures? In the day and age we live in, it’s true that we cost compare almost everything, from a new appliance to new shoes. But there is a shift that you need to make when considering porcelain veneers. This isn’t some product that you can return when it doesn’t fit right. The difference in the price of the porcelain between these two brands is approximately one percent. It really doesn’t matter the brand. The cost of porcelain veneers comes from selecting the right dentist. Any dentist can place Lumineers or Durathin veneers. But when it comes to a smile makeover, you’re talking about the first thing people see when you smile, how you feel at a job interview, and how others see you. You need to make sure you find an excellent cosmetic dentist that can make the right recommendations for your specific concerns and not just the cheapest option around.

Most expert cosmetic dentists won’t even place Lumineers. There are trademark restrictions on this brand of porcelain veneers that they must be manufactured in the Lumineers laboratory. Therefore, there isn’t much that the cosmetic dentist can do to tailor them to match your complexion, facial shape, and personality. Many patients end up feeling like Lumineers look bulky and others say the look fake and just aren’t happy in the long run. Therefore, if you are looking for an ultra-thin brand of veneers, DURAthin will likely win out.

But if you say that you are keeping your options open, then that is the best attitude. Meet with a cosmetic dentist, one that is truly artistic. It will be worth every penny you spend on yourself. Only 1-2% of dentists truly have the right background and training to create beautiful smiles. So do your research more on the dentist you select versus the brand that is cheaper.

This post is sponsored by Houston cosmetic dentist Coleman Dental.