Lumineers® Dental Veneers in Bethesda & Chevy Chase, MD

We all crave a stunning, sparkling white smile, but it’s not always easy to get one. This is especially true because factors such as time, age, genetics, diet, and medication all work against us to make our smiles less brilliant. Traditional dental veneers are a quick, minimally-invasive way to help you achieve your dream smile, but they often require the removal of enamel.

While the amount of enamel removed is negligible, patients may not be keen on the procedure due to common issues like dental sensitivity or dental anxiety. Fortunately, if you’re looking for a pain-free way to enhance your smile, Dr. Markogiannakis of Smiles of Chevy Chase offers Lumineers® dental veneers as an alternative.

Lumineers are the new gold standard in dental veneers. While there are many similarities between Lumineers and traditional veneers, there are also vital differences that set them apart. The shells are unbelievably thin, measuring in at about 0.2 mm. These revolutionary cosmetic restorations offer numerous benefits that often make them the preferred option for smile transformation.

There are several benefits to Lumineers that make them an ideal cosmetic restoration for patients looking to enhance their smile, including:

No Enamel Removal Required – Thanks to their ultra-thin form, Lumineers can be applied without removing any enamel. This means you can avoid the pain, anxiety, and post-procedure sensitivity enamel removal might bring.

More Natural Appearance – Lumineers are more translucent than traditional dental veneers, so they appear more natural while remaining tough enough to last for years on end.

Long Lasting – Luminers dental veneers can last over two decades with proper oral hygiene and regular dental exams with Dr. Markogiannakis.

Quick & Complete Smile Transformation – With Lumineers, you won’t have to wait long for your new, stunning smile. Your dentist can usually have your new smile fitted in about two to four weeks

If you’re looking to conceal cosmetic imperfections on your teeth, then you’re likely a good candidate for Lumineers. However, there are a few factors that must be determined before the procedure can be performed. During your initial consultation at Smiles of Chevy Chase, Dr. Markogiannakis will determine if you’re a candidate by checking for the following:

1. Your teeth are healthy and free of cavities. With dental veneers, your teeth aren't replaced, merely capped. Therefore, the teeth supporting the Lumineers dental veneers must be free of decay.
2. You have a bite that is properly aligned. While Lumineers are widely referred to as "instant orthodontics," they can only do so much for poor alignment. If you have a severe over/underbite, traditional braces may be a better solution.
3. You don’t suffer from bruxism. Those with severe bruxism, or teeth grinding, may not be suitable candidates for Lumineers.

Initial Consultation & Design

After Dr. Markogiannakis approves you for Lumineers dental veneers at your initial consultation, she’ll carefully create an exact mold of your teeth to be sent to the dental lab where your customized shells will be created.

We’ll work with you to determine the shade that best matches your existing teeth while helping to meet your expectations. Since there’s no need to shape your teeth to adhere to your Lumineers, you won't need to be fitted with temporary veneers while you wait for the permanent ones to be created.

Having Your Lumineers Dental Veneers Fitted

After your personalized Lumineers have been crafted, you will return to Smiles of Chevy Chase so Dr. Markogiannakis can apply them to your teeth. This is a painless procedure that doesn't require your dentist to administer or perform any shots, grinding, or drilling. This high-tech bonding procedure will give you outstanding results, allowing your entire tooth to remain intact underneath the Lumineers.

Follow-Up

Since your Lumineers are customized to fit your unique dental profile, there will be no period of adjustment after receiving them. You will be able to enjoy your favorite food with confidence, as Lumineers are attached in a way that makes them highly durable. Because the process is so simple and noninvasive, there's typically no recovery period as there is after traditional dental veneers are applied.

Caring For Your Lumineers Dental Veneers

Lumineers dental veneers will need to be cared for just like your natural teeth. To maintain your Lumineers and get the most use out of them, it’s important that you do not bite down too hard or regularly bite down on hard things, like ice or hard candy. It’s also important to brush and floss daily, as well as attend regularly scheduled appointments with your dentist at Smiles of Chevy Chase at least every six months for routine maintenance and care.

How much do Lumineers dental veneers cost?

Lumineers usually cost less than traditional dental veneers, but the exact cost of your Lumineers will depend on multiple factors, including how many dental veneers you need. Additionally, since Lumineers are considered a cosmetic procedure, they are typically not covered by dental insurance providers.

Fortunately, we accept many payment methods, including medical financing, to help make your treatment easier to afford. During your consultation, Dr. Markogiannakis will customize your treatment plan to fit your goals and your budget. She’ll also go over an estimate of your treatment cost and explain your payment options.

What’s better, Lumineers dental veneers or traditional veneers?

Every patient is unique, so either Lumineers dental veneers or traditional veneers may suit your situation better. Dr. Markogiannakis will let you know about all of your available options for smile enhancement during your initial consultation. Your Chevy Chase dentist will also help you choose the cosmetic treatment that will work best for you based on your unique dental health needs.

How long does it take to apply Lumineers dental veneers?

It usually takes less than an hour or two to apply a full set of Lumineers. Dr. Markogiannakis will test the placement of every Lumineer on your teeth before adhering them to ensure proper fit. Your dentist can give you a more accurate time estimate before the placement begins.

Can Lumineers dental veneers be removed?

Lumineers dental veneers can easily be removed by your dentist. However, you should never attempt to remove your Lumineers by yourself, as this may damage your Lumineers and/or your teeth.

For over 30 years, Lumineers dental veneers have been the ultimate choice for millions of people who want to take their smile to the next level with a truly amazing restoration. If you’re interested in safely, painlessly, and quickly enhancing the beauty of your smile, contact our Chevy Chase office and schedule an appointment with our dentist by dialing 301-652-0656.

You can also submit the contact form in the upper-right hand of the page and one of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly. Our experienced dentist, Dr. Markogiannakis has extensive skill in caring for the dental health and unique needs of patients across Chevy Chase, and surrounding areas such as Bethesda, Somerset, and Forest Hills, MD.