Lumineers Archives - Coleman Dental

Can I Request a Refund for Discolored and Broken Lumineers?

August 2, 2019 by drscottcoleman

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.

How do I close my big gap in my teeth? Anything other than Lumineers?

July 30, 2019 by drscottcoleman

Please tell me I have other options beyond Lumineers and Snap-On smile? I have a pretty big gap in between my two front teeth. I was planning to get Snap-On smile because that’s what my family dentist recommended. I did the x-rays and all the preparation steps and all the info was sent to the company. Then, after all that, the company said I am not a candidate. I don’t want braces at all. So, I have an appointment with another dentist about Lumineers. My gap is between 8-10 mm. I’m not sure that Lumineers will work right either. I’d love to get your thoughts.

-Sharon in Mississippi

Sharon,

Thank you for reaching out before your Lumineers appointment because this is not the way to go for your case. If you went through with it, you wouldn’t be happy with the results. Your gap of 8-10mm is quite large. You are not a candidate for Lumineers. You need to have the gap closed or see an excellent cosmetic dentist to better explore your options.

You mentioned that you didn’t want braces and I’m assuming you are referring to traditional metal braces. Have you considered Invisalign? This treatment uses clear aligners and highly sophisticated computer technology to re-position teeth gradually. Invisalign would work well to close the gap and it works in about half the time as traditional braces. It is much more comfortable too because there are not metal and brackets. From a conversational distance, no one will know you are wearing the invisible aligners. So, this would be a good treatment option for you to consider. You could estimate approximately a year from start to finish, with new aligners being placed every two weeks.

Also, I mentioned having a consultation with a cosmetic dentist. Not just any dentist is skilled in cosmetic dentistry. Your average family general dentist wouldn’t be the one to look for other recommendations. If a dentist is promoting Lumineers, that is a sign that they are not an expert cosmetic dentist. Most excellent cosmetic dentists don’t choose Lumineers for their patients. There are trademark restrictions that require them to be manufactured in their own laboratory and they deliver results that don’t look as nice as other brands of porcelain veneers. The teeth look dull, and some cases look long and thick. Now, there are other brands of porcelain veneers that may work okay. But, you still may need to have your teeth straightened prior to getting porcelain veneers. You would need to make sure you are meeting with a dentist that knows his or her stuff because it is possible (with an expert cosmetic dentist) to have the gap filled or re-shaped in a way that would look natural and beautiful. But with as large of a gap as you have, it would be difficult for the average dentist on the block.

Some things to consider when you are looking for a great cosmetic dentist would be to first off, have a consultation to see if you feel they are trustworthy. Then, ask them about cases similar to yours regarding working with a large gap in your front teeth. Also, check their credentials and their portfolio of work. Any excellent cosmetic dentist would require extensive training beyond dental school and if they were affiliated with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, that would be a good indicator of their skill level.

Good luck and thank you for reaching out. Lumineers just aren’t right for you. So, hopefully this helps you explore other options.

Is it possible to get Lumineers if I grind my teeth?

July 27, 2019 by drscottcoleman

I have been unhappy with the way my teeth look for over a decade. I just haven’t been in position financially to make the investment in improving them. But I’m starting to think it is time to explore my options. My friend has recommended Lumineers and I think I would like to try them. But I do grind my teeth at night. Will they still work for me? If I don’t disclose the fact that I grind to the dentist, about how long will they last? I would be happy to get them replaced if they won’t hold up. I’m just so sick of the way my teeth look. I don’t want the dentist to tell me I’m not a candidate when I’m finally ready to move forward.

– Louise in Maryland

Louise,

It is very important to be upfront and honest with your dentist. You shouldn’t keep information from any health professional when you are seeking treatment of any kind. Grinding your teeth may not necessarily disqualify you from being a Lumineers candidate, but that information is imperative so the dentist can make the best recommendation.

The lifespan of Lumineers may be lessened if you grind, but there are so many factors involved with grinding, including the frequency, cause, etc. It is nearly impossible to estimate how long they will last. Your dentist may suggest a night guard. This works very well in protecting your teeth, including all types of porcelain veneers. It would be good to address the grinding issue and have a TMJ specialist or dentist help to diagnose the cause. Sometimes relaxation techniques and other TMJ treatments are beneficial in reducing grinding and clenching.

The best advice would be complete honesty. It is possible to achieve a beautiful smile with cosmetic dentistry even with your grinding. If the grinding is also addressed it will increase the longevity of whatever treatment is done.

If restorations are taken care of, they can last for many years. In some cases porcelain crowns and porcelain veneers can last for over a decade. But the key is taking care of them and for you that may be a night guard or appliance of some sort. Good luck in pursuing your beautiful smile.

Lip stuck on Lumineers. Is this a scare tactic by my dentist?

July 27, 2019 by drscottcoleman

I went into my dentist because I have heard about how Lumineers can give a Hollywood smile, without a Hollywood price tag. Well, my dentist went on and on about how many unsatisfied Lumineers patients he has seen. He was telling me about all these problems, including that some girl’s lip kept getting stuck on them. Is he just trying to scare me and talk me into more expensive porcelain veneers?

– Angela in Nevada

Angela,

Thank you for your question. Lumineers are a particular brand of ultra-thin porcelain veneers. The big selling point that the company promotes is that they don’t require any tooth preparation. Traditional veneers require a tiny portion of the enamel to be shaved down, ever so slightly. This step is important for traditional veneers because it creates a seamless, undetectable look.

Your dentist may have approached the topic in a way that feels like you are being talked out of it. But the truth is that many excellent cosmetic dentists do not like Lumineers. This particular brand of veneers is required to be created in Den-Mat’s (the manufacturer) laboratory. So this requirement limits the creativity and artistry of a skilled cosmetic dentist. Also, he is correct that many Lumineers patients are not happy. Since the tooth preparation step is skipped, Lumineers can sometimes make your teeth look bulky and longer than normal, and it isn’t unheard of to cause difficulty speaking or getting the lip stuck on them. So instead of going to your dentist and telling him you want a certain treatment, you’d be much better off to seek the talents of a true cosmetic dentist that is passionate about creating beauty. And let him or her recommend the best cosmetic dentistry treatment for your unique facial features, complexion, personality, and smile design goals. Even though Lumineers may be less expensive, if you are going to invest in this kind of money in cosmetic dentistry, you want to love your new smile. Don’t settle for anything less than absolutely loving it.

Hopefully, this information is helpful.

The dentist put stain on my Lumineers.

July 26, 2019 by drscottcoleman

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!

What’s cheaper Lumineers or Durathin veneers?

July 25, 2019 by drscottcoleman

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.

Can new Lumineers be put over top of old ones?

July 24, 2019 by drscottcoleman

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.

Is there Hope for My Lumineers Nightmare?

July 23, 2019 by drscottcoleman

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.

Fake-looking porcelain veneers.

July 23, 2019 by drscottcoleman

I have been saving up for years to have my smile improved with beautiful porcelain veneers. I feel conned and am so frustrated at how they turned out. I think they look huge when I smile and unnaturally gleaming white. Ugh! In fact, I saw myself in a photo and I think they honestly resemble Chicklets. Will I get used to them? Or do you have any advice? Please help, I’m feeling desperate.

– Rebecca in Idaho

Rebecca,

Sorry to hear that your expectations have fallen short. Porcelain veneers are a large investment and you should in no way have to settle or try to get used to them. Based on your description, it sounds as if you went with no preparation veneers or very little preparation for the teeth. These no prep veneers are appealing but sometimes just don’t work well on everyone. One popular brand of ultra-thin, no prep veneers is Lumineers and sadly, the comments you have made are not uncommon among Lumineer patients.

The bottom line is that porcelain veneers, really any type of cosmetic dentistry, truly is an art. The cosmetic dentist must have the right experience and advanced training in order to do beautiful work. The lab is also a very important competent in achieving beautiful veneers. Have you talked to the dentist? If he or she is a skilled cosmetic dentist, they will not rest until you are satisfied with your smile design. By nature, true cosmetic dentists tend to be perfectionists, so they consider your smile a failure unless you absolutely love it. Hopefully your cosmetic dentist will work with you to make them right. Otherwise, it may be wise to find an expect cosmetic dentist that can address these issues you are unhappy with. Best of luck!

Trying to decide between crowns or Lumineers?

July 21, 2019 by drscottcoleman

I am seeing a cosmetic dentist to close the gap between my some front teeth. They aren’t the ones right in front, but the ones next to the front ones. I feel like my smile has always been unbalanced and I’m ready to get it fixed. When I started looking around online, Lumineers seem like a good way to go so the dentist doesn’t need to remove any of my natural tooth structure. I really like that. But when I met with the dentist, he told me most types of porcelain veneers have problems and he wants me to get crowns. Is this really the only solution?

-Arnold in Georgia

Arnold,

If this “cosmetic dentist” is telling you that he has problems with porcelain veneers, it doesn’t matter if it’s Lumineers or another brand, he probably doesn’t have the expertise to place them. Not every dentist that claims he is a cosmetic dentist has the artistic ability or knowledge of dental bonding techniques to create a beautiful result. So don’t press him out of his comfort zone, or you may end up regretting it. When porcelain veneers are done correctly, they can last for well over 10 years or more. It may be that your dentist is much more comfortable with placing crowns. But, unless the teeth are decayed and require porcelain crowns, that is not the ideal treatment since such a large portion of the tooth must be removed to fit a crown.

It may be time to find seek a second opinion from an expert cosmetic dentist. Most dentists would suggest the least-invasive treatment. Before moving forward with any type of cosmetic dentistry, be sure to check out the dentist’s credentials and ask to see examples of cases that are similar to yours. Best of luck!