I’ve become a Groupon addict. We can get things we’ve never been able to afford through this marvelous group innovation. Today I saw a Groupon for Lumineers. The price is fantastic! I’ve always wanted to get my teeth more attractive and this looks like an ideal way to do it. I just wanted to check with a dentist first to get a professional opinion.

Lacey L.

Dear Lacey,

There are a few things to consider before you hit that “Deal” button. First, have you had a consultation to make sure you are a candidate for porcelain veneers? Not everyone is a candidate. If you purchase that deal and it turns out you can’t get them, there are no refunds.

Second, what do you know about the dentist who will do the work? Not all cosmetic dentists are created equal. Lumineers are a bit notorious for being marketed to inexperienced cosmetic dentists as being easy to place. This can lead to a poorly done smile makeover.

You’ll really want to research their ability to give a beautiful smile makeover. Ask to view some of their before and after photos of cases they’ve performed. They should have some type of smile gallery. This is generally examples of their absolute best work, so if you’re not thrilled with what you see, I certainly wouldn’t move forward.

Something else to consider is that Lumineers are just a brand of porcelain veneers. It may be that a different brand would produce better results for your particular smile.

While there are some areas of dentistry where it’s okay to just look for the most affordable dentist, cosmetic work isn’t one of them. You want to find the dentist who can give you the best smile possible. Groupon will limit you to this dentist offering the deal. So, do your due diligence to be sure you won’t end up with a lemon of a smile makeover.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Kevin Peck.