Tag Archives: porcelain veneers

Don’t Hide Your Smile: Enhance Your Smile with Dental Veneers

Dental Veneers: A Brief History

Despite coming into vogue relatively recently, the technology that would eventually come to be known as dental veneers actually dates back to the 1930s, in which they were used as a means to temporarily fix the teeth of Hollywood actors, to create the illusion of a perfect smile. While successful in creating what’s now known as the classic “Hollywood Smile” the rudimentary technology could not provide a permanent solution and was not practical for widespread use.

This changed in 1982 when the modern dental veneer was developed, and in the years that have followed, the veneer technology has only continued to improve thanks to numerous advancements in the dental field, and now is one of the most commonly preformed procedures within the realm of cosmetic dentistry.

What Dental Veneers Do

Although relatively simple, yet highly effective, veneers are a clear, soft, porcelain device that is designed to be sealed over both your upper and lower teeth, creating a sort of protective skin that surrounds the outer layer of your teeth. The purpose is to protect your teeth from hazardous outside elements, while simultaneously concealing any prior received abrasions or blemishes that your teeth may have. Once fully applied veneers are generally unnoticeable, thereby allowing wearer to eat, brush, and live as one normally would, with few (if any) limitations. With this amazing ability to deliver a seemingly flawless smile, there’s little wonder as to why veneers have become so popular among patients from all over the country.

However, despite their obvious benefits, there are a few drawbacks from receiving veneers that are important to keep in mind. The source of these drawbacks is the re-shaping process, which requires the removal of the tooth’s enamel, in addition to filing down the surface of the teeth. While this is necessary for the veneers to be successfully applied to your teeth, if the device is removed, your teeth will be unprotected against outside elements.

Veneers vs. Lumineers: The Difference

As something of an upgraded version of the dental veneers, Lumineers are very similar to veneers in both design and general functionality. Much like veneers, Lumineers are designed to fit over both upper and lower rows of teeth, thereby shielding them from troublesome food particles while shrouding it in a whiter but seemingly natural color tint that greatly improves the smile’s overall appearance. However, what truly gives Lumineers a distinct advantage over their predecessor, is that due to their much thinner nature. Lumineers can be applied to your teeth as they are without reshaping or removing the tooth’s enamel! By eliminating the invasive reshaping process, Lumineers not only provide a quicker, easier solution, but also succeed in preventing any issues in the long run.

Related Article: SMILE! We Have Dental Veneer Options for YOU!

A Flawless Smile Awaits!  

As mentioned earlier, although they were once only able to create the temporary illusion of a picturesque smile, thanks to modern dental technology dental veneers can actually deliver a smile that is both beautiful and permanent, and with the recent arrival of Lumineers, the process of receiving the smile of your dreams is now easier than ever!

If you are interested in receiving Lumineers, or have any questions about the procedure, please contact our offices at Overland Park Dentistry to schedule your consultation.

Related Article: Smile Pretty with Cosmetic Dentistry Options

Keep Smiling!

Local dentist, Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS, and his team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with preventativerestorative or cosmetic dentistry. To schedule your dental appointment with your Overland Park Dentist, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

Smile Pretty & Be Merry with Cosmetic Dentistry Choices

The Holidays are here at last, and while the weather outside may be cold, with the warm embrace of loved ones all around you, and that warm wave of nostalgia washing over you, it’s hard not to smile during the holiday season! However, if you are self-conscious of your smile or even consider it a source of embarrassment, then the prospect of such a scenario may cause a certain degree of anxiety this time of year.

Fortunately, at Overland Park Dentistry, Dr. Kimes and his team of experts are more than happy to help you in this predicament, by providing you with all the state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry choices for treatments and technology needed to keep you smiling brightly this holiday season!

Cosmetic Dentistry Choices: ‘Tis The Season for Four Fabulous Options

Since the dawn of the 21st Century, cosmetic dentistry has undergone a radical transformation, thus becoming one of the most sought-after types of treatment within the realm of professional dentistry. This recent surge in popularity is the result of numerous advancements in dental technology, ultimately making the various tried and true cosmetic choices more effective than ever before!

Teeth Whitening:

Teeth whitening treatments are simple, yet effective cosmetic dentistry choices that for many years, has been providing patients from all walks of life, with the picturesque smile of their dreams! Generally lasting little more than 30 minutes, the whitening affect is achieved by applying a bleaching agent directly to the surface of your teeth. This serves to effectively reverse the signs of aging, for a cleaner, sleeker-looking smile than previously seen.

Read more about how you can Get the Smile of Your Dreams with Teeth Whitening.

Veneers:

For the past thirty years, porcelain veneers have been utilized for realigning teeth that are crooked and repairing teeth that have sustained damage. Acting as something similar to a rain jacket, the translucent material encases your teeth, thereby protecting them from outside elements, while simultaneously concealing any gaps or abrasions.

Read more about the difference between Porcelain Veneers and the new technology of Lumineers that are offered at Overland Park Dentistry HERE. Or six reasons you may need to get Porcelain Veneers.

Dental Bonding:

Despite the recent improvements to the ever-popular porcelain veneers, in some scenarios a dental bonding procedure (or filling) is the best solution to restore a tooth. Dental bonding, is a simple procedure in which a composite resin is applied to the damaged area, essentially filling in the area that was broken away. Bonding is used primarily for minor/cosmetic corrections and is generally not recommended for repairing major damage.

Invisalign Invisible Braces:

While traditional metal braces continue to enhance the smiles of teens everywhere, a newer and much more convenient alternative has emerged under the umbrella of cosmetic dentistry choices, known as Invisalign. Invisalign aligners are transparent, thermoplastic aligners that are designed to straighten teeth and correct any jaw alignment issues or irregularities. Supremely popular amongst middle-aged to young adults, the Invisalign aligners are easily removable, require patients to make relatively few (if any) lifestyle changes, and are virtually unnoticeable.

Invisalign isn’t just for adults… Brace Yourself with Invisalign TEEN! Read more about how you can Smile Bright with Invisalign Invisible Braces HERE.

Time Is of The Essence!

As we descend further into the final weeks of 2019, it’s important to remember that any unused benefits that you may have from your insurance provider, will not carry over from one year to the next. Don’t forget that booking a dental appointment prior to the New Year becomes increasingly more and more difficult. Therefore, if your holiday wish is to smile brightly this season then don’t wait, December appointments are going fast so make yours now, and greet the holidays with a smile!

Local dentist, Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS, and his team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with preventativerestorative or cosmetic dentistry. To schedule your dental appointment with your Overland Park Dentist, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

SMILE! We have Porcelain Veneer Options for YOU!

 

porcelain-veneersPorcelain Veneers: A Brief History

Ever since the dawn of the industry, professional dentistry has sought to provide patients with physical and cosmetic relief, all their inner oral needs, and while largely successful, addressing every patient’s needs always remains a challenge. However, despite offering a variety of different treatments in the restoration and preventative aspects of dentistry, many patients still found themselves unsatisfied with the overall appearance of their smile.

Therefore, to remedy this, the dental industry began developing a new technology with the goal of providing patients with the picturesque smile they desired. Officially dubbed the “Dental Veneer” or “Porcelain Veeners” this new technology was introduced during the 1980’s. In the time since, porcelain veneer options have become a staple within professional dentistry, and today implementing veneers is perhaps one of the most commonly performed practices in cosmetic dentistry!

Related Article: Say ‘Cheese’ with Cosmetic Dentistry Options!

Porcelain Veneer Options: How Do They Work?

Simplistic by design, porcelain veneers are a clear, shell-like device that was created with the purpose of being worn directly over your upper and lower rows of teeth. This allows the device to act as a something of a rain jacket, helping protect your teeth from hazardous elements, as well as concealing any prior received abrasions or blemishes that your teeth may have.

Related Article: Reasons to Get Porcelain Veneers

This ability to create a seemingly flawless smile has undoubtedly made porcelain veneer options a hot commodity among both the fashion and entertainment industry.

While certainly it’s hard to argue with this kind of success, it’s important to note that porcelain veneers do present certain drawbacks, that one should consider. These drawbacks primarily stem from the re-shaping process in which some of the surface of your teeth is filed down or removed along with the tooth’s enamel. This unfortunately leaves the tooth unprotected and vulnerable to outside elements should the veneers be removed.

Lumineers: A New Era of Porcelain Veneer Options!

Thanks in no small part to the tremendous success of porcelain veneers, Lumineers were implemented as something of a 21st century option or upgrade. Much like veneers, dental Lumineers retain the thin, transparent appearance of veneers. However, unlike its predecessor, Lumineers do not present any of the aforementioned issues due to the reshaping process and removal of the tooth’s enamel. Due to the much thinner nature of porcelain Lumineers, (generally around the same consistency as a contact lens) removing your tooth’s enamel or reshaping them is no longer required! By eliminating the invasive reshaping process, Lumineers not only provide a quicker, easier solution, but also succeed in preventing any issues in the long run.

See for Yourself!

With the advent of Lumineers, dentists such as Dr. Kimes can provide you with the pristine smile of your dreams, and with the new advancements of Lumineers, the process is easier then ever!

While we hope this information has been helpful to you, if you have any further questions about Lumineers or want to see if they are an option for you, please come see us at Overland Park Dentistry!

 

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with any preventativerestorative or cosmetic dentistry options for you or your family may have. To schedule your dental appointment with your Overland Park Dentist, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at 913-341-2380.

Say ‘Cheese’ with Cosmetic Dentistry Options!

cosmetic-dentistry-options

In an age of social media, iPhones, tablets, and of course selfies galore, certainly you always want to look your best! While this can be achieved through dressing nicely and always being mindful of the latest fashion trends, if your smile fails to meet your expectations, then life in an era of selfies may prove to be a bit challenging. While unfortunately this is the case of some people, such a situation does not have to persist any longer than necessary. As with social media and other new technology, modern cosmetic dentistry has come a long way in recent years and only continues to get better!

Are Cosmetic Dentistry Options for You?

Through a quick Google search of the term “cosmetic dentistry options” you will undoubtedly receive various definitions and results. Indeed, cosmetic dentistry options is something of an umbrella term that generally refers to image-based dental procedures, ultimately seeking to improve the appearance of one’s smile. To put it simply; cosmetic dentistry is like getting a makeover for your smile in order to restore it to its former glory. However, this “smile makeover” is not strictly for appearance purposes, as it also servers to improve your overall oral health and keep your teeth both beautiful and strong.

 

Cosmetic Dentistry Options and Procedures

Listed below are several procedures that fall under the cosmetic dentistry category, all of which are offered at Overland Park Dentistry and can be made available to you upon your request!

Invisalign:

As a cutting-edge innovation within the field of dentistry, Invisalign is now one of the most sought-after procedures within the industry today! Invisalign aligners are transparent, easily removable, custom-fitted dental aligners that are designed to realign and straighten your teeth and are minimally invasive. The Invisalign procedure requires approximately 6-18 months to complete and offers a much less invasive approach than traditional braces.

Related Article: Invisalign Dentist in Overland Park

Bonding:

Dental bonding is an easy and relatively inexpensive procedure in which a plastic composite resin is applied to a damaged or decayed tooth, ultimately to repair and restore the tooth to its former self. While bonding is generally used to repair chips and cracks in teeth, it can also be done to fill in troublesome gaps and close spaces between teeth.

Related Article: Got a Chipped Tooth? We’ve Got Options for YOU!

Teeth Whitening:

As its name implies, tooth whitening is a simple procedure in which the shade of ones’ teeth is exponentially brightened, creating a much more aesthetically pleasing appearance. The purpose of tooth whiting is to reduce any stains, blemishes, or signs of ageing. While basic dental whitening kits have been sold at convenience stores for years, these generic kits have been known to irritate users’ gums and sometimes cause a great deal of discomfort. Therefore, if you desire a brighter, healthier looking smile, its always best to have your teeth professionally whitened!

Related Articles:

Porcelain Veneers or Lumineers:

While terms such as porcelain veneers or Lumineers might still be unfamiliar to some, dental veneers have slowly become one of the most sought after and universally praised cosmetic dentistry options for restoring smiles. Appearing as a clear, shell-like device, veneers may not look like much. However, once fitted over your upper and lower rows of teeth, the veneers act as something of a rain jacket, effectively shielding your teeth from any hazardous elements they may encounter. In addition to the widely popular porcelain veneers, dental Lumineers have also recently been made available! Serving as something of a streamlined-upgrade from veneers, lumineers provide the same protection for teeth while eliminating the need for removing the tooth’s enamel or reshaping them.

Related Article: Porcelain Veneers: A hot new arrival

Dr. Kimes: Your Overland Park Cosmetic Dentist!

Born and raised in the greater Overland Park area, it was only natural that upon graduating from dental school at UMKC, that Dr. Kimes opened his practice in Overland Park, a community he knows and loves. Now with thirty plus years of experience and expertise to offer his patients, Dr. Charles Kimes is also a world class dentist with the ability to provide multiple dental services to those in need. While certainly preventative and restorative dentistry is very very important, cosmetic dentistry might just be his favorite!

“My favorite part of what I do is making patients smile” he said. “I’ve had so many people come into my office that have been unhappy with the appearance of their smile or ashamed and embarrassed by how their teeth look, and I love how happy it makes them when we fix that. It’s truly the best feeling in the world!”

Indeed, making people happy is perhaps what cosmetic dentistry is all truly about and there’s no better way to express ones’ happiness than by smiling. So, remember in a world where pictures are constantly being taken (and are always a click away from being uploaded for all to see) don’t let a simple stain or gap between your teeth keep you from smiling! Come see us at Overland Park Dentistry and keep on smiling!

Related Article: Your Overland Park Dentist: Charles R. Kimes, DDS

 

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with any preventativerestorative or cosmetic dentistry options for you or your family may have. To schedule your dental appointment with your Overland Park Dentist, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at 913-341-2380.

Porcelain Veneers: A hot new arrival this summer!

porcelain-veneers

As the humidity rises and summer of 2018 looms large on the horizon, clearly excitement is in the air. And while the weather might be hot, modern dentistry might be even hotter! Due in no small part to the recent advancements made in dental technology, professional dentistry is on fire right now and the heat only seems to keep on rising! With the continuous buzz and chatter surrounding the new changes in the industry, many questions have arisen regarding improvements that have made to well-known procedures that have come to define the dental field as we know it.

While this does include improvements to standard, commonly preformed practices such as crowns and fillings, whitening procedures, and even entire tooth replacements, perhaps one of the most frequent inquires is that of dental porcelain Veneers. Although initially introduced during the 1980s, dental porcelain veneers have slowly become one of the most sought after and universally praised methods of cosmetic dental restoration among both practitioners and patients alike! Therefore, to meet consumer’s growing demand, the dental industry has given the wildly popular porcelain veneers something of a 21st century upgrade, thus introducing the all new Lumineers!

Dr. Charles R. Kimes at Overland Park Dentistry has seen this treatment option become more and more popular over the years and can now offer his patients the choice of porcelain veneers or Lumineers to achieve the smile of their dreams.

Related Article: Your Overland Park Dentist: Charles R. Kimes, DDS

Porcelain Veneers: “The Lumineers”

(No, not the band!)

Although certainly a cool band with some very catchy songs, the type of Lumineers that we are actually referring to can do some amazing things none the less! Like their predecessors, Lumineers are a clear, shell-like device created with the purpose of being worn directly over your upper and lower rows of teeth. This allows the device to act as a something of a rain jacket, helping protect your teeth from hazardous elements, as well as concealing any prior received abrasions or blemishes that your teeth may have. This ability to create a seemingly flawless smile, is undoubtedly what made porcelain veneers such a sought-after commodity in the past, and what continues to make the new Lumineers the highly coveted item they are today.

However, the advantages of dental Lumineers don’t end there. While similar, Lumineers have a number of different aspects and features that provide the user with an easier, safer, and much more pleasant experience!

Related Article: Reasons to Get Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain Veneers: Lumineers vs. Veneers – Similarities & Differences  

While highly similar to dental porcelain veneers, the newly created Lumineers have a striking number of differences from their predecessors that convey their superiority as a product. Ultimately this proves themselves as a worthy successor to the still highly esteemed porcelain veneers.

Similarities:

As corresponding devices with a mutual purpose, Lumineers and porcelain veneers inevitably have much in common in terms of concept and general functionality. Both products are designed to improve the overall appearance of the user’s smile, by shrouding it in a whiter but seemingly natural color tint, while simultaneously concealing any damage or misalignment as achieved through their thin, but durable porcelain material.

Differences: 

Despite the obvious similarities, the advantages that Lumineers have over porcelain veneers are unmistakable and can have a significant impact on your teeth. Though efficient, the process of receiving dental veneers can be less then desirable, and if mismanaged or neglected can create problems later on. This is due to the reshaping process, in which some of the surface of your tooth is filed down or removed along with the tooth’s enamel. While this is necessary to prevent excess clutter and maintain the veneer’s natural appearance, should the veneers be removed, the lack of natural enamel will leave the teeth unprotected and vulnerable to outside agents.

For many years, the removal of the tooth’s enamel was considered by experts to be the only major downside of veneers; however, with Lumineers this is no longer an issue!

Due to the much thinner nature of porcelain Lumineers, (generally around the same consistency as a contact lens) removing your tooth’s enamel or reshaping them is no longer required! By eliminating the invasive reshaping process, Lumineers not only provide a quicker, easier solution, but also succeed in preventing any issues in the long run.

Porcelain Veneers: The next big thing!

Although porcelain veneers remain a fan favorite within the realm of cosmetic dentistry, the up and coming porcelain Lumineers are sure to quickly surpass them! By effectively avoiding the short-comings of dental veneers, yet continuing to help patients achieve a beautiful, picture-perfect smile, porcelain Lumineers are sure to make a big splash for this summer, and many more to come!

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with any preventativerestorative or cosmetic needs you or your family may have. To schedule your dental appointment or porcelain veneer consultation with your Overland Park Dentist, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

Reasons to Get Porcelain Veneers

porcelain-veneers

Fashion Trends: They’re Always Changing!

By simply taking a quick glance around you, it’s plain to see that things are always changing. In fact, there is perhaps no better time than that of the holiday season and the new year, to take note of some of the newly emerging fashion, trends and technology as shopping centers everywhere begin plastering their walls and shelves with all the latest gadgets, accessories and apparel, in the hopes of appeasing the continuous flow of holiday shoppers.

In keeping up with the ever changing world of fashion and commerce, one learns to appreciate those few things in life that are timeless and simply never go out of style, one of which would certainly be a beautiful smile. A beautiful and seemingly flawless smile has long been a necessity in the world of both Hollywood and the fashion industry, and although certain styles may come and go, no fashion model or movie star’s look is complete without the ever-present, pearly white smile!

As result of this, public demand for a beautiful smile has remained a top priority for dentists past and present and thanks to amazing innovations in cosmetic dentistry such as porcelain veneers, (which have proven themselves as one of the premier tools within a modern dentist’s arsenal) the achievement of that coveted beautiful smile has never been easier!

Porcelain Veneers: The Rundown

Originally popularized in the 1980s, porcelain veneers have been used in dental restorations for a good number of years now, and have been considered by a large number of dentists to be one of the most effective ways to create a seeming flawless smile for their patients.

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain Veneers, also called dental veneers, are a thin shell-like device designed to be fitted directly over your teeth. The purpose of this is to provide a protective coating to surround your teeth; protecting them from outside elements, while simultaneously covering up any unsightly aberrations or abrasions in your teeth. By providing a solution that is practical and aesthetically pleasing, dental veneers have become a highly popular and sought-after procedure within the realm of cosmetic dentistry, and continue to remain so!

Related Article: Difference Between Porcelain Veneers and Dental Lumineers

Porcelain Veneers: Six Reasons to Get Them!

The reasons for getting porcelain veneers generally depend on the specific wants and needs of the patient, and certainly no patient is exactly alike.

Listed below are some of the more common reasons that patients elect to receive porcelain veneers. Do some of them apply to you?

(1) Porcelain Veneers: You have broken or damaged teeth

Accidents happen, and perhaps one of the most common reasons you may require porcelain or dental veneers, is that you have through some sort of accident or mishap, and have either chipped, cracked or simply broken a tooth. This can happen to absolutely anyone for all sorts of different reasons, and while there is certainly no way to anticipate the severity of the damage, the porcelain veneer can usually be customized to match the other teeth regardless of the damage.

Related Article: Got a Chipped Tooth? We’ve Got Options for You!

(2) Porcelain Veneers: You have misaligned or misshapen teeth

While actors such as Steve Buscemi and Gary Busey have made something of a living from their famously odd or crooked teeth, for the majority of people a misshapen smile may present something of an issue in various aspects of life. To remedy this issue, many patients opt for dental or porcelain veneers that can be custom-made to evenly match color, size, and shape of their other teeth.

(3) Porcelain Veneers: You have stained or discolored teeth

It’s not uncommon for people to find themselves unhappy with the color of their teeth, and while there are other (more commonly used) methods such as having your teeth cleaned and whitened, porcelain or dental veneers can be used to achieve a whiter smile as well.

Typically whitening options are suggested prior to implementing porcelain veneers. Unfortunately, if the staining is severe enough, standard cleaning and whitening may not be all that effective. Being the only product capable of providing a truly white smile, porcelain veneers may be used to provide the white smile that the patient desires.

(4) Porcelain Veneers: Your teeth are dull and worn down

It should come as little surprise, that as a person ages, their teeth endure a certain amount of wear and tear over the years. This leads them to become increasingly brittle and less effective. However, porcelain veneers have proven to be a great way to combat this ongoing problem. By encasing the teeth, they provide protection and added strength while chewing food.

(5) Porcelain Veneers: Your teeth have gaps

While not usually serious, having gaps between your teeth can certainly be something of a pain, particularly when eating foods that are sticky or can easily become caught between your teeth. Even though Lauren Hutton and Madonna have famous smiles with gaps in their teeth, a lot of people don’t like those gaps for aesthetic reasons. Dental veneers can be a solution to both of these problems. By covering the teeth, they can simultaneously cover and fill any troublesome gaps that you might have for functional or aesthetic reasons.

(6) Porcelain Veneers: Your smile is causing you stress or embarrassment

There are few things in life more enjoyable than smiling. At Overland Park Dentistry, we believe that everyone deserves to smile and be happy without the persistent fear of embarrassment when they smile. Remember life is too short not to smile, so consider letting porcelain veneers help keep you happy and smiling!

A Beautiful Smile Is Always In Style!

As we prepare for the bombardment of “what’s new” or the “latest” in whatever, we might find ourselves taking the time to appreciate something without all the bells and whistles. As mentioned earlier, a beautiful smile has long been a required feature the fashion and entertainment industry, and not just because it’s beautiful.

If any chips, stains or other issues are keeping you from smiling, then perhaps porcelain veneers are the answer for you. Come see Dr. Charles Kimes at Overland Park Dentistry and his expert team, so we can keep you happy and smiling!

 

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with any preventativerestorative or cosmetic needs you or your family may have. To schedule your dental appointment and see if you are a candidate for porcelain veneers, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

Difference Between Porcelain Veneers and Dental Lumineers

porcelain-veneersEveryone wants a beautiful smile.

We all want to have the confidence a beautiful smile helps us achieve.

However, some of us struggle with that confidence and hide our smiles because they’re flawed.

Have you heard of porcelain veneers? The goal of this article is to explain this procedure that can give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of. And it will also explain two different types of porcelain veneers, including dental Lumineers.

Achieve a flawless smile with Porcelain Veneers

Originally popularized in the 1980s, porcelain veneers have been used for many years and have been considered by a large number of dentists to be one of the most effective ways to create a seeming flawless smile for their patients. However in recent years, dentistry has undergone significant changes thanks to advancements in technology that have in many ways revolutionized the profession.  Porcelain veneers, called Dental Lumineers, are one of the numerous advancements to come out of this dental revolution, and since their inception, have certainly given the traditional veneers a run for their money.

Porcelain veneers… What are they?

As mentioned previously, due to their ability to create a picture perfect smile, porcelain veneers have been a powerful ally for not only dentists but for actors and models too! Porcelain veneers are a thin, shell like device that are designed to be fitted directly over your teeth; protecting your teeth from outside elements, while simultaneously covering up any gaps, cracks, or chips in your teeth.  While this aspect has made the porcelain veneers a popular and sought after procedure within the realm of cosmetic dentistry, the process of getting these small porcelain devices present a few issues as well.

Porcelain Veneers… What is the process?

To receive your porcelain veneers, your dentist will be required to make a certain amount of alterations to your teeth, including the shaving down and reshaping of some of your teeth, as well as the removal of the enamel of your teeth. Although these procedures are all relatively minor, the alterations of ones teeth can potentially result in long-term dental issues, particularly if the procedures are performed on young or healthy teeth, in which porcelain veneers would not be needed.

A New Era for Porcelain Veneers!

Although dental Lumineers have been around for quite a few years, due to modern advancements in technology, dental Lumineers are now available to a much wider audience, and have been improving the smiles of people nationwide. While much like the porcelain veneers, dental Lumineers are thin porcelain devices that encase your teeth like a protective shell. Lumineers are much thinner and have a clearer appearance. However what makes Lumineers truly unique is the fact that they do not require any reshaping or alterations to your teeth; that means no drilling and no pain. In addition to leaving your enamel completely intact, it ends up being a much less invasive procedure. Ultimately this is a much more desirable experience for the patient. This quick and painless process requires only two simple appointments, and the resulting set of dental Lumineers, if maintained properly, can last decades.

Related Article: Lumineers: the Noninvasive Veneer for Teeth

Watch these stories, captured by video, featuring people of all ages who have gotten dental Lumineers.

Click here, if you are interested in seeing Before and After photos of actual dental Lumineers patients?

If you want Dental Lumineers… Talk to your dentist!

Many dentists consider the increasingly popular Lumineers to be a superior product to classic porcelain veneers; however, if you have questions about either or are curious if one might be right for you, consult your dentist and ask if they feel dental Lumineers or porcelain veneers would right for you.

If you are interested in learning more about porcelain veneers or dental Lumineers, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Charles R. Kimes at Overland Park Dentistry. As a Lumineers dentist, Dr. Kimes will help you explore your options for a personalized Hollywood smile, so you can make and educated decision to whether dental veneers or dental Lumineers is the best option for you. Our south office can be reached at (913) 647-8700 and our north office at (913) 341-2380. We look forward to meeting you.