Most of the marketing you see for cosmetic dentistry these days has its emphasis on Porcelain Veneers.  In Fact; the term: “Lumineers” has recently come in vogue as if its a new concept.  A “Lumineer” is simply a thin porcelain veneer: one whereby there is little or no tooth structure removed prior to its placement.

 The major problem with Lumineers lies in the advocated technique: Unless you remove tooth structure, the resulting restoration is going to be bulky and lack the color properties desired for a nice result.

The technique is desirable to the public because it advocates that “no shots or no drilling” are necessary.  Of course this is the case if zero or little tooth preparation is needed; but I believe most people would gladly accept the needed local anesthetic to accomplish the tooth preparation needed for a proper set of veneers.  It is up to the experienced, confident cosmetic dentist to set the public straight about Lumineers.

Most people are familiar with the term “chicklets”: a slang term denoting bulky, overcontoured dental restorations.  This is the most likely outcome with Lumineers.  I believe that the proper amount of tooth reduction is a concept better understood by experienced cosmetic dentists; along with the dental laboratories and technicians that fabricate porcelain veneers. 

There very well may be select indications for lumineers, but my opinion is they are few and far between; and the public should be informed of this.