I’m giving my daughter veneers or braces as a college graduation present. She prefers Lumineers to braces, because she says that braces take too long, and she doesn’t like the way they look. We received an estimate of $14,000 for the Lumineers. I’m concerned that she is making the wrong decision, since in about 20 years, she’ll need veneers again. I think she should get braces and get her teeth whitened. Am I missing something? – Janae
Janae – Lumineers® is one brand of porcelain veneers. They will make the teeth look straight. When they are correctly placed by a skilled and artistic dentist, and when they care properly taken care of, they can last longer than twenty years. A cosmetic dentist who works with a skilled ceramist will produce natural-looking Lumineers. They can give your daughter the smile makeover she wants in as few as two appointments. But they must be maintained, so that they will last.
Braces are an alternative. They will straighten your daughter’s teeth without attaching anything artificial to them. After treatment with braces, she will need to wear a retainer for life. For the year after treatment, she will likely wear the retainer full time, then every night for life. Her teeth can be whitened to produce a beautiful, natural smile that will last. Lumineers will need to be replaced ever fifteen to twenty years.
Find a dentist who provides Lumineers and who is knowledgeable about orthodontic treatment. He or she will discuss your daughter’s case and make recommendations for treatment.
This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Collins.