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.