Dental veneers, sometimes called contact lenses, are thin layers of ceramic adhered to the outer surface of the teeth with the main aim of improving their appearance. With this type of treatment it is possible to change the colour, shape, orientation, size and even the length of the teeth.
The fact that they are made of ceramic means that the end result is highly aesthetic and natural, as this material has properties very similar to tooth enamel.
Veneers are indicated when teeth are healthy but their aesthetics are not pleasing. In other words, they are applied to teeth that are darkened, worn, chipped, misaligned or have diastemas (gaps) between them.
It is a technically very sensitive treatment that requires extensive experience on the part of the dentist. However, in most cases it’s a relatively quick treatment that usually only requires 3 appointments:
1st Consultation
The first consultation consists of an assessment, diagnosis and planning. It is essential that the patient states their aesthetic goals. The dentist’s “clinical eye” and, above all, his professional experience in this type of treatment is fundamental to tailoring the final result to the person in front of him.
For example, you wouldn’t expect a 65-year-old to have veneers placed on teeth that are too white in colour, details that can only be seen in 20-year-olds.
2nd Consultation
At the second appointment, the teeth are prepared on the basis of prior planning. In most cases, the need for wear is so insignificant that it cannot be seen by the human eye.
For example, nowadays it’s possible to make veneers that are so thin and practically transparent that they can reach thicknesses of around 0.3mm. Finally, the moulds are made.
3rd Consultation
The third and final appointment consists of the final cementation of the veneers, where again the dentist’s experience is fundamental given the fragility of these ceramics when not cemented.
It’s important to note that although they have such thin thicknesses, once they’re adhered to the teeth, these veneers acquire a resistance similar to enamel, which means that they can be expected to last a long time.
Having dental veneers fitted will change your smile in the sense of boosting your confidence and self-esteem and, as a result, greatly improving your quality of life on a professional, social, family and very personal level.
However, as mentioned, due to the sensitivity of the treatment, it is necessary for the patient to seek out a dentist who is qualified in this type of treatment. At Instituto Dentário do Alto dos Moinhos, we have advanced diagnostic methods and highly trained professionals who are able to assess and provide patients with the best dental treatments using veneers safely, quickly and painlessly.
At the Instituto Dentário Alto dos Moinhos we have an experienced team and advanced diagnostic methods that allow us to offer our patients highly aesthetic, top quality treatments in complete safety.
Dr. Carlos Almeida
Dentist (Registered with the Ordem do Médicos Dentistas under Nº 5873)
| Exclusive practice in Implantology and Oral Rehabilitation
| Co-Founder of Instituto Dentário do Alto dos Moinhos