Dr. Anthony Mobasser is a renowned cosmetic dentist serving the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills areas since 1980. He specializes in cosmetic dentistry services including lumineers, porcelain veneers, dental implants, crowns, extreme makeover, dental makeover, reconstructive dentistry and more.
Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist Discusses Pros and Cons of Lumineers
September 27 2007–LOS ANGELES AND BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA– A great deal of patients who visit Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Anthony Mobasser inquire about Lumineers versus porcelain veneers.
Although Mobasser, a cosmetic dentist for more than 27 years, prefers porcelain veneers to Lumineers in most cases, there are some good candidates for the less expensive Lumineers procedure, he said.
Determining which procedure best suits the patient is done through a consultation with a dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry, Mobasser said. Patients who tend to be good candidates for Lumineers have their natural teeth intact and their teeth are fairly white and straight.
“If the underlying color of the teeth is yellowish to orange-brown, that discoloration may still show through the thin layer of Lumineers,” Mobasser said.
The reason for this is because Lumineers are very thin porcelain layers that compare in thickness to that of a contact lens. Masking of dark discoloration is almost impossible to do with Lumineers. And if thicker porcelain is placed, the teeth take on a bulky appearance.
Lumineers still can be a good option for candidates with slightly yellow teeth, if they are willing to allow the cosmetic dentist to remove some of the tooth structure, which eliminates the discoloration.
The ideal Lumineers patient also has space between their top and bottom teeth, said Mobasser, who performs cosmetic dentistry in Los Angeles.
Patients with a “tight bite” are not good Lumineers candidates because applying Lumineers to the tooth surface slightly increases the biting surface in the mouth, and can change the patient’s bite pattern, he said.
Other patients who are not good candidates for Lumineers are those who frequently grind or clench their teeth. This is because they are used to their existing bite and could fracture the edges of the Lumineers by grinding or clenching them.
“Doing so can result in over-contoured porcelain that could irritate the gums,” he said “Also, masking the underlying black color that shows through the crown is very difficult. It would not be ideal in the cosmetic dentistry world.”
For those patients who don’t make ideal Lumineers candidates, porcelain veneers almost always are the best alternative.
“The natural color of the veneers is much superior to Lumineers,” Mobasser said, adding that due to the small layer of porcelain to work with on Lumineers, it is difficult to make a dramatic color change if necessary. That is not the case with porcelain veneers.
When considering the benefits of porcelain veneers over Lumineers, the cosmetic dentist’s artistic ability, preparation procedure and overall experience “is of utmost importance,” Mobasser said.
One common misperception is that porcelain veneers always result in tooth sensitivity.
“If done properly, there should be no sensitivity,” Mobasser said.
Porcelain veneers also produce more natural looking teeth, and the contour is kinder to the gum, he said. If the doctor is preparing the veneers well, he or she is adding an amount of porcelain that mirrors the amount of natural tooth that was removed, resulting in a natural look.
Before undergoing either procedure, Mobasser reiterated, it is important to have proper records taken, which include, but are not limited to x-rays, preoperative impressions and bite analysis. Patients also should undergo a thorough consultation with a well-respected cosmetic dentist to go over the options, pros, cons, risks and benefits of the procedure in question.
About Dr. Anthony Mobasser Dr. Mobasser is regarded as the authority in aesthetic dentistry in Los Angeles. He is a pioneer of modern cosmetic dentistry and is one of the most experienced and qualified dentists in the world. His refined techniques have set a standard for cosmetic dentists. Dr. Mobasser holds degrees in mathematics and engineering. He earned a biochemistry degree from University of California Los Angeles and completed his DMD degree at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard, where he graduated with honors.
Entertainers, the glitterati and powerbrokers turn to Los Angeles top cosmetic dentist Dr. Anthony Mobasser and his 25 years of experience to create their perfect smiles. Dr. Mobasser is known internationally as the �Dentist�s Dentist� and �Cosmetic Dentist to the Stars� for his skill in combining state-of-the art dental materials and practices with a flawless aesthetic sensibility.
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