When it comes to transforming smiles, dental contact lenses and veneers are among the most popular options in cosmetic dentistry. 

Both offer effective solutions to improve the appearance of teeth, but they have significant differences in terms of application, materials, durability, aesthetic impact, and suitability for each patient.

So let's talk about these differences to help you decide which option is best suited for your smile, especially if you are considering dental veneers in Rio de Janeiro.

What are dental contact lenses?

Dental lens is an aesthetic dental treatment to improve the appearance of teeth by correcting small imperfections.

To do this, very thin prosthetics are used, normally made with resin or porcelain, which are placed over the natural tooth, “hiding” problems with color, size and shape.

In addition to being a quick procedure, it also offers long-lasting results, representing a good investment in the patient's self-esteem.

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers also serve to correct aesthetic problems such as stains and fractures, in addition to adjusting smile asymmetries and disharmonies. Therefore, they are easily confused with lenses.

However, the coatings used (resin or porcelain) are thick, which in addition to providing visual improvement, also benefits speech and chewing functions.

Types of Dental Veneers

• The resin veneer is crafted directly onto the tooth. After applying the resin, the dentist models the material. This technique is most recommended for those who need to make small changes, such as filling a space or correcting a fracture.
• Porcelain veneers are made in a prosthesis laboratory based on the planning carried out by the dentist. Once ready, they are placed on top of tooth enamel.

Are veneers the same as contact lenses?

No. Due to their similarities in application, it is possible to confuse veneers with contact lenses. But there are distinctions between them, the most obvious being the thickness of the materials used. 

On average, veneers measure 0.7mm thick, while lenses are closer to 0.2mm. Due to this variation, they are recommended for different cases.

Discover other differences between them:

Application

The application of dental contact lenses is minimally invasive. These very thin sheets are applied directly to the surface of the teeth, often without the need for significant tooth wear. The procedure for dental contact lens in Rio de Janeiro It involves preparing the tooth surface, choosing the desired shade, and attaching the lenses with a special adhesive.

Veneers, on the other hand, require more intensive preparation. Generally, it is necessary to remove a greater amount of tooth enamel to accommodate the veneer, which makes this procedure irreversible. The application of veneers follows similar steps to lenses, with choosing the color and attaching the veneers to the tooth.

Materials used

Dental contact lenses are commonly made from two materials: porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain veneers are highly valued for their durability and ability to mimic the natural shine of teeth. Resin, although more affordable, tends to discolor and wear more quickly than porcelain.

Veneers are also primarily made from porcelain or composite resin, with porcelain veneers offering similar benefits to porcelain lenses, including superior longevity and aesthetics.

Durability

Durability is a crucial factor when choosing between dental lenses and veneers. Dental contact lenses can last at least 10 years, which may vary depending on the care the patient will receive after treatment. 

Porcelain veneers, due to the more invasive application process and the greater thickness of the material, generally have a similar or even superior durability to porcelain lenses.

Aesthetic impact

Both options offer significant aesthetic improvements, including correction of tooth color, shape, size, and alignment. 

However, dental veneers are ideal for minor adjustments, offering a natural appearance and the possibility of fewer changes to the original tooth structure. 

While veneers, being thicker, are suitable for more radical transformations, including correcting more worn or damaged teeth.

For which situations each is best suited?

The choice between an in-tooth lens and a veneer depends mainly on the individual needs of the patient. 

The use of dental lenses is recommended to correct specific problems, such as color irregularities, chipped, worn or fractured teeth, including closing diastemas, which are spaces between teeth that should be close together.

Veneers, on the other hand, are recommended for cases that require a more comprehensive approach, such as teeth that are severely discolored, worn, broken, or widely spaced. They offer a longer-lasting solution for significant aesthetic transformations.

How long does treatment with lenses or dental veneers last?

Treatment with lenses or dental veneers generally takes 3 consultations to complete, which includes: preliminary work in the mouth, molding, and final cementation. 

It is possible to make a prediction with temporary material so that the patient can analyze the final result without any tooth wear, this brings security and predictability. Furthermore, the treatment is completely reversible, meaning it can be removed and your teeth will be intact again. 

Just like any aesthetic dental treatment, to place the prostheses, the patient needs to be referred to a specialist. dentist in Rio de Janeiro, have up-to-date oral health and have the entire dental structure already developed.

Dental veneers and dental contact lenses in Rio de Janeiro

Both dental contact lenses and veneers offer the ideal aesthetic solutions to achieve the smile of your dreams. 

When considering a dental veneer in Rio de Janeiro, it is crucial to consult a cosmetic dentistry specialist who can assess your specific needs and recommend the best option for your case. 

International reference in aesthetic dentistry, the OdontoLiuzzi We have a highly qualified dentist in Rio de Janeiro to assist you with the placement of dental contact lenses or veneers, in addition to personalized and humanized support to ensure the most satisfactory results. Schedule a consultation!