Alternative to veneers.

Many think of veneers as unnatural square teeth that require a major dental overhaul. Most veneer procedures require the removal of tooth structure, so, if by misfortune, a veneer comes off, one is left with an unattractive, and possibly sensitive, tooth. Lumineers[TM] by Cerinate[R], from Den-Mat, allows dentists to apply contact lens-thin "smile shapers" to teeth without any preparation, transforming misshapen, worn teeth into a natural smile.

Lumineers can only be made from Cerinate porcelain, crafted through a Den-Mat proprietary process.

Without the need for removal of tooth structure, Lumineers requires no anesthesia because the procedure is virtually pain-free, the manufacturer reports. And the sensitivity usually felt after a traditional veneer procedure is eliminated.

In two or three visits to the dentist, Lumineers provides a custom-made smile that Den-Mat says is clinically proven to last up to 20 years. They continue that traditional veneers are either fabricated with an aluminous core, making for a thick, unnatural appearance, or without the aluminous core, which make them weak and in need of an extensive application process.

Lumineers can serve as an alternative when a dentist desires not to remove tooth structure and can provide a convenient substitute for braces and other orthodontics, depending on bite severity. The procedure may also be used on worn teeth to strengthen them and prevent further wear. It is reported that they can be placed over crowns and dental bridgework to improve esthetics and help rejuvenate a smile.

"When I have suggested veneers to patients, I see an expression of fear and doubt wash over them," said David Nusblatt, DMD, of New York City. "They automatically think of fake things attached to their teeth. Lumineers is completely different in that it is a noninvasive, yet permanent way to create the best shape and color possible for teeth."

Consumers can find Lumineers dentist referrals nationwide at [phone] or by visiting www.cerinate.com.

FAQs

Q. How is Lumineers by Cerinate different than traditional veneer procedures?

A. The product is a permanent "smile-shaper" like a sheath, thin and translucent; precisely, yet easily applied to teeth for the most natural look possible. Traditional veneers are fused or bonded to teeth and, generally, require the tooth be ground down for a good fit. Since Lumineers is so thin, little to no tooth reduction is necessary. In addition, Lumineers resists micro-leakage and micro-cracking.

Q. Is there any other Lumineers?

A. No. Lumineers can only be made from Cerinate porcelain, crafted through a proprietary Den-Mat process.

Q. Patients often report that a veneer procedure hurts. Is that true with Lumineers?

A. No. While most veneer procedures require a substantial amount of tooth structure removal, Lumineers is completely different because in almost all cases there is no need for preparation of teeth. Consequently, no anesthetic is needed. No temps are required.

Q. Are patients who think they need braces but don't want to undergo the process, candidates for Lumineers?

A. Yes, in most cases. A dentist will be able to evaluate the patient's teeth and decide whether Lumineers or orthodontics is best. If no severe problem exists, Lumineers will change the shape and alignment of teeth, making them look straighter and more uniform.

Q. How long will Lumineers last?

A. Lumineers has unparalleled longevity. Clinical testing has proven that a Lumineers procedure lasts and remains attractive for up to 20 years.

Q. Is a Lumineers procedure possible with old crowns and dental bridgework?

A. Yes. Lumineers porcelain can easily be placed on top of crowns and bridgework, with no preparation or tooth structure removal.

Q. With Lumineers, is a special toothpaste needed or a different way of flossing?

A. Lumineers is similar in structure to real tooth enamel. Consequently, a low-abrasion toothpaste that will effectively, yet gently, remove plaque, stain and tartar should be chosen.

Q. What about chewing gum and eating foods like corn or candy?

A. Go ahead. Because Lumineers is laid over original teeth in the most durable way possible. However, routine visits to the dentist should be continued.

Product Fact Sheet

* No anesthetic required.

* Little to no reduction of tooth structure. The patient keeps natural teeth intact, unlike veneer procedures that always require preparation.

* Clinically proven to last up to 20 years.

* Patented Cerinate porcelain--from Den-Mat Corporation. Lumineers can only be made from Cerinate porcelain.

* Minimal preparation required.

* No post-operative sensitivity reported.

* Only two or three visits necessary.

* Extremely thin (approximately .2mm) and translucent.

* No temporaries required.

* Restores and strengthens teeth. Helps prevent wear.

* A viable alternative to braces in many cases.

* Can be placed over crowns and rejuvenate old dental bridge work.

* No micro-leakage or micro-cracking reported.

* Lab Time: Usually 10 days but in emergency situations this can often be cut to three days. There are two lab locations: one in Florida and one in California.