VENEERS IN COLOMBIA

According to scientific papers, Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front part of your teeth to improve their appearance. They are primarily used to address issues such as discoloration, chips, gaps, or minor misalignments. In Colombia, We use Emax brand for porcelain veneers. You can choose the color you want between Bl1 (whitest color), Bl2, or Bl3.

The process typically involves removing a small amount of enamel from the tooth surface to accommodate the veneer. The veneer is then bonded to the tooth using a specialized dental adhesive. The porcelain material mimics the natural translucency and color of tooth enamel, resulting in a highly aesthetic and durable restoration.

Scientific relevance: Porcelain veneers rely on advancements in adhesive dentistry and ceramic materials science. These veneers benefit from etching techniques that allow for strong micromechanical bonding, which enhances both the strength and longevity of the veneers. Modern adhesives and resin cements used in bonding ensure that the veneers stay firmly attached for years, provided the patient follows proper care.

The cost of porcelain veneers in Colombia can vary depending on the clinic, doctor, city, and the complexity of the treatment. On average, a single veneer in porcelain costs between $350 to $500 USD, which is more affordable than in countries like the US or Canada. At Veneers Studio Colombia, we offer 20 veneers for $5000 USD in promo. Normal price $6500 USD.

Scientific relevance: Despite the lower cost, the quality of care in Colombia is generally on par with international standards. Many dental clinics in major cities are equipped with advanced technology, such as CAD/CAM systems (Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing) for creating highly precise veneers. Dentists in Colombia often have international training and follow global protocols for sterilization, materials use, and aesthetic dentistry.

Porcelain veneers can last 10 years. According to Peumans, M., et al (2000). In their paper titled “Porcelain veneers: a review of the literature.  Journal of Dentistry”:

The longevity of veneers is affected by a variety of factors, including the quality of the material, the skill of the dentist, the patient’s oral hygiene, and whether the patient avoids harmful habits such as biting down on hard objects or grinding their teeth.

At Veneers Studio, we say that porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years or even longer. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining their longevity. We recommend getting maintenance every 6 months of them.

Scientific relevance: Studies have shown that porcelain veneers have high success rates over the long term, with survival rates of around 94% at 10 years and 87% at 20 years. Factors influencing longevity include the strength of the adhesive bond (we use the best one in the market), the patient’s bite alignment (we recommend having straight teeth before getting veneers), and the thickness of the remaining enamel. Regular dental check-ups (about 2 times per year) and proper care are crucial in detecting early signs of wear or damage, allowing for timely intervention if needed.

Our team speaks fluent English to make you feel more comfortable during your stay in our clinic.

In general, many dental professionals in Colombia, particularly in major cities and clinics that serve international patients, are fluent in English. However, it’s always advisable to confirm with the clinic in advance.

The risks are minimal, but in rare cases, some patients may experience:

• – Tooth sensitivity before the veneers are placed due to the preparations.
• – Food can stick between teeth. We recommend flossing after every single food.
• – Shaving down is not recommended at all.
• – You can get a yellow color between teeth after the veneers if you don’t floss and brush your teeth at least 3 times a day.
• – You can break your veneers if you eat hard food.

The procedure for porcelain veneers is generally not painful. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area when preparing the teeth, and the discomfort is usually minimal. In Colombia, we try to make you feel comfortable during your dental treatments.

Scientific Relevance: The process of removing tooth enamel is necessary to make room for the veneer and ensure it adheres properly. Depending on the case, the amount of enamel removed is usually 0.3 to 0.7 mm. Local anesthetics block nerve signals that cause pain, and modern technology, including laser technology, can minimize the invasiveness of the procedure.

Sensitivity may occur when enamel is removed, but this usually disappears within a few weeks. If the patient has bad habits such as grinding their teeth, biting on hard objects, or poor oral hygiene, the chances of veneer failure are greater. Scientific Relevance: Following the correct protocol during the bonding process can minimize complications. Porcelain veneers are chemically bonded and micromechanically retained to form a strong interface between the tooth and the veneer.

The process typically requires two visits to the dentist. The first visit includes an initial consultation, examination, and tooth preparation, including removal of enamel and an impression or digital scan of the custom veneer. At the second visit, usually one to two weeks later, the veneer is attached to the tooth. Each appointment may last 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.

Scientific Relevance: Many clinics use CAD/CAM technology, which can in some cases manufacture veneers on the same day. The system takes a digital impression of the prepared tooth and mills the veneer on-site, reducing treatment time from weeks to hours.

Not everyone is an ideal candidate for porcelain veneers. Candidates should have healthy teeth and gums without cavities, periodontal disease, or severe misalignment. People who clench or grind their teeth (bruxism) may not qualify unless they are willing to wear a bite splint to protect the veneer. Additionally, porcelain veneers require the removal of tooth enamel, so the patient must have sufficient natural tooth structure to achieve a proper bond.

Scientific Relevance: A thorough pre-treatment examination is essential to ensure that the patient’s oral health can tolerate veneers. Patients with malocclusion (incorrect bite) or severe enamel loss may be better suited for other types of restorations, such as crowns. The thickness and shape of the veneer are also determined based on the patient’s bite and facial features to achieve the most natural and functional result.

Ceramic materials are used to make porcelain veneers, which are made in a dental laboratory or through CAD/CAM technology. They are well-known for their durability, stain resistance, and aesthetic appeal. Composite veneers, on the other hand, are made from resin and can be applied directly to the teeth in a single visit. Composite veneers are cheaper and easier to apply, but they’re less durable and prone to stains than porcelain ones.

The optical properties of porcelain closely mimic natural enamel, making it a superior material. The translucent and reflective nature of it makes it appear more realistic and organic. Composite resins, while cost-effective, are less durable and can wear down faster. Porcelain is the material of choice for long-term aesthetic results because of its superior abrasion resistance and color stability.

Porcelain veneers are not considered reversible because the procedure involves removing a thin layer of enamel from the teeth. The enamel can’t grow back once it‘s gone. It is necessary to replace or remove a veneer to protect the tooth.

The irreversibility of porcelain veneers is attributed to the preparation process, in which 0.3 to 0.7 mm of enamel is typically removed to ensure a snug fit and adsorption. Without the protection of a veneer or another restoration, the tooth is more vulnerable to sensitivity and damage. Therefore, patients should carefully consider their long-term goals before choosing veneers.

Bleaching agents are used to remove stains and brighten the teeth in a non-invasive way for teeth whitening. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, cover the tooth surface and provide a more permanent and dramatic solution to discoloration. The shape, size, and alignment of veneers make them a more versatile treatment option.

Dental whitening treatments typically use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break down stains on the enamel. These treatments only affect the external color of the teeth and may need to be repeated over time, but they only affect the external color of the teeth. The ceramic material is highly resistant to staining and does not change color over time, making porcelain veneers a long-lasting solution to both intrinsic and extrinsic discoloration.

Small gaps or slightly crooked teeth can be improved with porcelain veneers. However, in more severe cases of malocclusion or misalignment, orthodontic treatment like braces or clear aligners may be necessary before veneers can be considered.

The scientific relevance of veneers is that they can mask minor alignment problems. They don’t address the underlying causes of malocclusion, such as improper jaw alignment or severe crowding. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment is required for patients with significant alignment issues to properly reposition the teeth and ensure long-term dental health for patients with significant alignment issues.

Similar to natural teeth, porcelain veneers require similar care to porcelain veneers. Patients ought to use non-abrasive toothpaste twice a day, floss regularly, and go to the dentist often for check-ups and cleanings. It is important to avoid biting into hard objects, such as ice or fingernails, and to wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night.

Regular oral hygiene practices are essential for maintaining the longevity of veneers and preventing complications such as decay at the margins. While the porcelain itself is highly resistant to staining and decay, the underlying tooth structure is still vulnerable to decay if it is not properly cared for. Plaque and bacteria can build up along the edges of the veneer, weakening the bond between the teeth.

The appearance of minor misalignments or spacing issues, such as small gaps or crooked teeth, can be improved with porcelain veneers. However, in more severe cases of malocclusion or misalignment, orthodontic treatment like braces or clear aligners may be necessary before veneers can be considered.

Veneers are often referred to as instant orthodontics because they can mask minor alignment problems. They don’t address the underlying causes of malocclusion, such as improper jaw alignment or severe crowding. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment is needed for patients with significant alignment issues to properly reposition the teeth and ensure long-term dental health.

Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to stains and discoloration because the material used is non-porous, unlike natural tooth enamel. This is because the material used is not porous, unlike natural tooth enamel. The surrounding teeth can discolor over time, creating a noticeable contrast between the natural teeth and the veneers. Some folks opt for teeth whitening before getting veneers.

The non-porous nature of porcelain prevents it from absorbing colors from food and beverages, making it more resistant to stains than natural enamel. Composite veneers are more susceptible to discoloration. Good oral hygiene and avoiding highly pigmented foods can help keep veneers and natural teeth looking their best.

The recovery process after receiving porcelain veneers is usually quick and uneventful. The majority of patients return to their daily routines immediately following the procedure, though they may experience a brief sensitivity to heat and cold for a few days. Patients are advised to avoid hard or sticky foods immediately after the veneers are placed for the adhesive to be fully set.

Relevance: Light-curing dental cement hardens the adhesive, but it takes several hours for the bond to reach its maximum strength. Due to the enamel removal, mild postoperative sensitivity is common, but this typically resolves within a few days to weeks as the tooth adjusts to the new restoration. Fluoride varnishes or desensitizing treatments can be used to minimize discomfort.

Smoking can still cause harm to the surrounding natural teeth and gums, even though the porcelain material itself resists stains. Gum recession can expose the margins of the veneers and create an unattractive aesthetic. The color contrast between veneers and natural teeth is amplified by nicotine and tar staining the natural teeth.

Research has shown that smoking is a major risk factor for periodontal disease, which can affect the long-term success of porcelain veneers. Smoking gum recession exposes the edges of the veneers, increasing decay and aesthetic concerns. Quitting smoking is strongly recommended to maintain both oral and systemic health, both oral and systemic.