FAQ

Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses clear, custom-made aligners to straighten teeth. It's an alternative to traditional braces, offering a discreet and comfortable way to improve your smile.

Invisalign works by gradually moving your teeth into the desired position using a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners. Each aligner is slightly different, moving your teeth step by step until they reach their final position.

The duration of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the individual's needs but typically ranges from 6 to 18 months. Your dentist will provide a more specific timeline based on your unique dental structure.

Invisalign aligners may cause some discomfort or pressure when you first start wearing them or switch to a new set, but this is usually mild and temporary.

Invisalign is effective for a wide range of orthodontic issues, including crowded teeth, gaps, overbite, underbite, and crossbite. However, severe cases may require traditional braces or other treatments.

Sedation dentistry at Luminous Dental Spa involves the use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It's an ideal solution for those who experience anxiety or fear when visiting the dentist, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free experience.

Sedation dentistry is beneficial for a wide range of patients, including those with dental anxiety, a low pain threshold, difficulty sitting still, a strong gag reflex, or those undergoing extensive dental procedures. It's designed to make dental care accessible and comfortable for everyone.

Yes, sedation dentistry is safe when administered by experienced professionals like the team at Luminous Dental Spa. Dr. Eugenie Kim and her staff are trained in sedation techniques, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the dental procedure.

At Luminous Dental Spa, we offer various sedation options, including laughing gas (nitrous oxide), oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Each type is suited to different needs and levels of anxiety, allowing for a personalized approach to your dental care.

Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is a mild sedative gas that is inhaled through a mask placed over your nose. It helps you relax during your dental procedure and wears off quickly once the mask is removed, allowing you to drive yourself home afterward.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made of titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone. They serve as a sturdy base for supporting artificial teeth, like crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Implants integrate with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This provides stable support for artificial teeth, ensuring that crowns, bridges, or dentures mounted on the implants won’t slip or shift in your mouth.

Most adults with good overall health and adequate jawbone to support implants are good candidates. Factors like chronic illnesses, smoking, or radiation therapy in the jaw area can affect eligibility.

Most people report that the procedure involves minimal discomfort. Local anesthesia and sedation are used during the procedure to ensure your comfort and well-being. Mild soreness afterward can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.

With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. The crown or bridge attached to the implant typically lasts 10-15 years before it may need a replacement due to wear and tear.

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth. They are used to improve the appearance of teeth by altering their shape, color, size, or length. Veneers are typically made from porcelain or composite resin material.

Lumineers are a brand of ultra-thin veneers that require minimal to no tooth preparation before application. They are known for being highly translucent and mimic the natural appearance of enamel.

The key difference between veneers and Lumineers lies in their thickness and the amount of tooth preparation required. Traditional porcelain veneers are thicker and usually require some amount of tooth enamel removal for placement. Lumineers are much thinner and can often be placed with little to no tooth reduction.

With proper care, traditional porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years, while Lumineers can last over 20 years. Their longevity also depends on good oral hygiene practices and avoiding habits like teeth grinding.

Since traditional veneers often require removing some of the tooth enamel, they are generally considered irreversible. Lumineers are sometimes reversible due to the minimal tooth preparation involved, but this can vary depending on the individual case.