Dental Veneers in Villavicencio

A veneer is a thin shell bonded to the visible face of a tooth. It is used to change colour, correct shape, close gaps between teeth, rebuild worn edges or disguise small differences in position.

Veneers are mainly used on the front teeth, the ones that show when you talk and smile. Normally a group of teeth is treated rather than a single one, so that colour and shape stay even.

They are not right for every case. Where there is decay, inflamed gums, badly misaligned teeth or uncontrolled grinding, that has to be dealt with first. At the assessment we tell you plainly whether veneers are the right option or whether another route makes more sense.

Composite veneers and ceramic veneers

In Colombia veneers are offered mainly by the material they are made from.

• Composite veneers (direct). The dentist builds the veneer straight onto the tooth in the surgery, layer by layer. They are usually completed in one or a few visits, need little or no tooth reduction and are the more affordable option. They stain and lose shine over time, though they can be polished and repaired. They last less time than ceramic.
• Ceramic or porcelain veneers (indirect). These are made in a laboratory from an impression or a scan and then bonded in place. They take at least two visits, with temporary veneers in between. They resist staining and wear better and, cared for well, last several years. They almost always involve preparing the tooth.

The choice is not only about budget: it depends on the base colour of your teeth, how much room there is for the veneer and your habits.

Ultra-thin ceramic veneers

"Dental contact lenses" or "ceramic lenses" is the commercial name used in Colombia for ultra-thin ceramic veneers. They are not a different material or a brand: they are ceramic veneers made very thin.

Because they are so thin, in selected cases they need very little tooth reduction or none at all. That is their advantage. But being thin also means the underlying tooth colour shows through, so they work well when the teeth are reasonably well aligned and the base colour is not very dark.

If a tooth is stained, rotated or set back, an ultra-thin veneer cannot correct it and the dentist will suggest a different option.

How the process works and how much tooth is removed

The process starts with the assessment: examination, X-rays, photographs and a look at the shade. Decay or inflamed gums are treated first.

The shape is then planned. In many cases a temporary trial is placed on your own teeth so you can see the proposed result before any tooth is reduced.

Preparation is carried out under local anaesthetic where needed, keeping as much enamel as possible. This point matters: once a tooth has been reduced, the procedure is no longer reversible, because that tooth will need to stay covered from then on. Direct composite veneers and some ultra-thin veneers placed without reduction are reversible or close to it. At the bonding visit, shade and fit are checked before anything is fixed permanently.

Aftercare and how long they last

Veneers are looked after like natural teeth: brushing, flossing and regular check-ups. Healthy gums are what keep the margin looking good.

Avoid biting ice, pens or nails, and never use your teeth to open packaging. If you clench or grind at night, a night guard is not optional: it is what protects the work.

Coffee, tea, red wine, dark fizzy drinks and cigarettes stain composite in particular, along with the margin where the veneer meets the tooth.

To find out which type of veneer suits your case, book a consultation at Higienista Oral on 0312 4869987 or 0312 4869987.