LUMINEERS®

LUMINEERS® are an excellent option for people who are unhappy with the cosmetic appearance of their teeth.  These ultra-thin porcelain slips fit perfectly over the teeth making them look cosmetically perfect, white and completely beautiful. An off-white or crooked smile can cause serious confidence problems.  LUMINEERS® are a fantastic alternative for patients wanting a beautiful smile without surgery, harsh chemicals or painful treatments.

For LUMINEERS® to be applied, the underlying teeth, bone and gums must be healthy.  Patients with gum disease or tooth decay must be treated prior to LUMINEERS® placement.  Unlike dental veneers, LUMINEERS® can be left in place for over 20 years or removed upon request to expose the intact original teeth.  LUMINEERS® can be fitted in just two appointments, and instantly add pizzazz to the smile.

Here are some of the problems that LUMINEERS® can solve:

  • Large gaps between the teeth.
  • Misaligned teeth.
  • Misshapen teeth.
  • Stained teeth.
  • Uneven gums and teeth.
  • Unnatural looking bridges and crowns.

How can LUMINEERS® benefit me?

LUMINEERS® provide a wide range of advantages over similar treatments.  The most meaningful advantage to anxious patients is that no painful alterations of the teeth are required prior to the LUMINEERS® application.  The covers themselves are so thin and unobtrusive that speech and eating are seldom affected.

Here are some of the other advantages of LUMINEERS®:

  • Last over 20 years.
  • No harsh drilling of inner tooth mechanisms.
  • No injections.
  • No pain or discomfort.
  • Only two dental visits required.
  • Option to place multiple LUMINEERS® at one time.
  • Perfect, pearly-white teeth.
  • Thickness of a contact lens.
  • Totally reversible treatment.

Are LUMINEERS® strong enough?

LUMINEERS® are constructed from Cerinate® porcelain, which is known for its exceptional strength.  Even though LUMINEERS® are thinner than dental veneers, they are less likely to break or chip.  Additionally, Cerinate® porcelain can be color-modified and balanced.  This means that different levels of opaqueness and translucency can be utilized.

How are LUMINEERS® applied to the teeth?

One of the main reasons LUMINEERS® are so easy to fit is that little etching has to be done beforehand.  With veneers, many teeth might have to be permanently altered or drilled to ensure the best fit.  However, LUMINEERS® offer a beautiful end product without any drilling, anesthesia or extensive etching.  This factor alone can reduce the time in the dental chair by almost half, when compared to traditional veneers.

During the initial visit, bite impressions and X-rays are taken to determine the exact way the teeth fit together.  The dentist also thoroughly examines the teeth to ensure that no tooth decay and no signs of gum disease are present.  Together, the dentist and patient choose the color of the LUMINEERS® and the desired level of transparency.  The bite impressions are sent to the laboratory to be custom-crafted.

The LUMINEERS® are bonded to the teeth at the second appointment.  If bonding substance has oozed out from beneath the LUMINEERS®, this is carefully removed using a beveled featheredge margin.  Once the LUMINEERS® are in place, the dentist polishes them until they are completely smooth.  The advantage of this smoothness is that bacteria and staining agents cannot easily adhere to the surface of the LUMINEERS®.

The LUMINEERS® are finally separated.  Up until this point, they are still attached where the bite impressions suggest teeth would naturally join.  The treatment is finished, leaving a beautiful white smile, and perfect, healthy teeth.

If you have questions or concerns about LUMINEERS®, please just ask Dr. Kamyar Hekmat, your Downtown Los Angeles and Westwood dentist.

 

LUMINEERS® and Cerinate® are registered trademarks of Den-Mat Holdings LLC.

Testimonials.

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Testimonials

Dr. Hekmat's chairside manner is something that should be cloned, and all young dentists and doctors should be able to see the tender insight that this man gives his patients. Dr. Hekmat is one of the nicest, most skillful, most dedicated men I have ever met. I can't believe I was so lucky to have found him in such a huge, busy metropolis as Los Angeles.

John Burbank, CA

Dr. Hekmat has been my trusted family dentist for many years, not only taking care of me--but my wife, sister, mother, brother-in-law and mother-in-law, too! From the warm smiles that greet me when I walk in the door to the compassionate, skillful and concerned care that Dr. Hekmat and his staff provide, my visits to his office are always like visiting a member of the family. ...And I don’t want to forget to mention that I appreciate the fact that in busy Westwood, Dr. Hekmat still provides completely free, validated parking. That’s no small feat in my part of town!

Louis Santa Monica, CA

Dr. Hekmat and his team are true professionals. He is kind and always has time to answer ALL of my questions and concerns. I began visiting him after a a friend referred to me several years ago and I have not visited any other dentists since getting work done with him because he continuously provides me and my family with excellent work. I have had a root canal, crowns, bonding, whitening and removal of amalgam fillings with him and I could not be happier with his work.

He is also totally available for emergencies, something other doctors shirk at. I was on my way to LAX when my front tooth (it was being prepped for a root canal) totally came off, I panicked, called him and drove myself to his office within a hour he had me all patched up.

He never tries to sell you anything, he and his staff know my name and always make me feel welcome and calm the anxiety that comes with getting dental work done.

Lizzie West Los Angeles, CA

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