I’m concerned that my daughter is choosing Lumineers over braces. She’s only 22 years old. I know they can’t last her for life. How do I convince her that she is wasting time and money? She’s already working to pay her way through college. Braces cost less than half of what she was quoted for Lumineers. Isn’t she going to need Lumineers again in 15 to 20 years? She said she doesn’t want to wear braces at her age. I guess she thinks she’s too old at this point. Am I missing something? Thanks Liz
Liz – You’re right. If your daughter received Lumineers at this stage in her life, they will eventually need to be replaced. They can last 15 or longer if they are expertly placed by a skilled dentist.
A Comparison of Lumineers and Braces
You didn’t state the reason your daughter wants Lumineers, but if the issue is aligning her teeth, braces will achieve great results. With today’s braces, she can consider various options, including clear braces or Invisalign. The cost is significantly less than veneers, but she would need to wear a retainer full time for the first year after treatment and daily thereafter—for the rest of her life. Retainers keep teeth aligned.
Encourage Her to Talk with Her Dentist
It’s unclear though, whether or not your daughter has spoken with her dentist about just what it is that she doesn’t like about her smile. Her dentist will listen and let her know her options. Lumineers might or might not be included in the options.
Gently remind your daughter of the cost of Lumineers and the fact that they will eventually need to be replaced. Also, unlike orthodontic treatment, if a person decides to get Lumineers—or any other brand of porcelain veneers—they will have to wear veneers for life. Porcelain veneers cannot be removed to allow a person to go back to their natural teeth.
Ultimately, it’s your daughter’s decision. Encourage her to make a fully informed decision by speaking with her dentist and getting a Lumineers second opinion.
This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Collins.