“Dental contact lenses” or the term I prefer to use: “Ceramic Laminates”, are ultra-thin veneers that are nothing more than thin porcelain sheets of about 0.2 mm, which are applied to the surface of the tooth to cover stained, yellowed, slightly misaligned teeth, give them more volume or improve their size and shape and even close spaces between teeth, “correct” a slightly crooked smile without the need for braces, fix chips and imperfections, creating a whiter, more attractive and youthful smile. They are so called because they are extremely thin, resembling contact lenses for the eyes.
Through careful evaluation and planning, it is possible to impressively change a person’s smile and thus improve their appearance and increase their self-confidence.
The advantage of this treatment, which is currently so popular, is that the dentist does not need to perform major wear on the dental structures, thus preserving the natural structures. They are made in a delicate and artisanal process of sculpting, assembly and manufacturing, as they are structures of approximately 0.2 mm in thickness. The dentist performs an initial consultation where an analysis is made to assess the number of teeth that will be laminated, the need for any prior treatment and the possibility of making the lenses.
Once this is done, an appointment is scheduled for the first molding and production of a plaster model for study, and on this same model a diagnostic closure is made to predict the result of the treatment. In another stage, a “mock-up” is done, through which it is possible to visualize in the mouth how predictable the treatment is for the beginning of the wear (in contact lenses this wear is minimal) and a mold of the teeth that will be sent to the laboratory for the production of the lenses. They are made one by one, outside the mouth, through a laboratory process.
The technique is minimally invasive and, therefore, highly conservative of the natural dental structures.
The durability is considered high and varies depending on the hygiene care and preservation of the pieces, with periodic follow-up with the dentist. The lifespan varies from patient to patient, but can last 10 to 15 years, or more. Compared to composite resins, they are much more aesthetic and durable. Making you have a magazine and movie star smile with a quick, simple and conservative procedure.
If the goal is to transform your smile, the total result is only possible if you work on all the teeth that appear when you smile. The transformation is impressive. And in this case, a very detailed study with Smile Planning is essential.
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Author: Dr. Thaise Menezes
