In the field of aesthetic dentistry, ultra-thin ceramic dental veneers are one of the most popular solutions for those who wish to significantly improve the appearance of their smile, without compromising the health of their natural teeth. Dr Annapaola Manfredonia is one of the leading experts in this field, offering innovative customised treatments that combine aesthetics, functionality and well-being. Certified in Los Angeles in 2008 for the Lumineers technique with Robert Ibsen, Dr Manfredonia received both an award in the year 2022 as the first dentist in Italy for this method, and one in 2023 as many first dentists in Europe for the many cases treated but above all for the personalisation of smiles: ‘no smile is the same as another! Lumineers veneers improve the aesthetics of the smile without requiring the removal of enamel.
by Roberta Imbimbo
Dr Manfredonia, what are ultra-thin dental veneers? And when are they used?
Ceramic dental veneers are so thin that they resemble contact lenses in thickness, and are bonded to the outer surface of natural teeth without filing them down; the tooth under the veneer therefore remains intact and protected. Thanks to their characteristics, they are used to correct many imperfections: small teeth, teeth with stains, fractured teeth as their application can improve their shape and size as well as their colour.
What are the main advantages of Lumineers veneers over traditional veneers?
Veneers offer several advantages: First of all, they are a completely minimally invasive and painless treatment, which therefore requires neither local anaesthesia nor a drill. This obviously makes the patient’s overall experience more comfortable and relaxing, as the teeth do not have to be filed down. Secondly, as veneers are made of ceramic, they not only guarantee aesthetically impeccable results, but are also highly resistant and long-lasting. In fact, they do not need to be replaced because, with careful daily hygiene and periodic professional oral hygiene sessions, they can last for many years without ever changing their colour, retaining their lustre and beauty over time. They are, however, reversible because, as they do not restrict the teeth, they can be easily removed with a state-of-the-art laser; the tooth remains intact, as it was before the application.
Are ultra-thin veneers customisable?
Absolutely! In my practice, every smile is different and unique; veneers are custom-designed for each individual patient. Each smile is studied down to the smallest detail and completely customised according to the patient’s needs and wishes. When a person comes to my practice, through the visit, I always try to understand their motivation for wanting to change and improve their smile. I then create a personal mockup (instant design), i.e. a real simulation of the new ideal smile for that patient, by modelling a paste compound on the teeth and changing its shape, size and colour to adapt the smile to the patient’s lips and face. This resin is hardened with a lamp and so the patient in the mirror has a real perception of what his smile would look like. It is a kind of ‘tailor-made suit’, as I like to call it! This mockup is the basis on which, together with specialised technicians, we work to create the patient’s smile to perfection, through the render we study to the millimetre thicknesses, sizes and shapes until we arrive at the right proportions.
How long does it take to get the new smile?
Only two appointments are needed at the surgery: the first to take precision impressions and for the photographic study of both the smile and the patient’s face. The second, about three weeks later, for the application of dental veneers. These are bonded to the tooth enamel with a cement that has various colours, during the cementing phase the patient can still decide whether to make the veneers whiter or less white than the ones he ordered. The cement affects the colour of the veneer as it is ultra-thin and transparent.
What type of patient requires the application of veneers?
The demand for dental veneers has increased a lot in recent years, perhaps because advertising and social media show more and more beautiful, super-white smiles. The patients requesting them are both young and older people. Patients with the new smile improve their self-esteem and their relationship with others: they feel very confident and finally smile again, something they have not done for a long time because they were often ashamed of it.
For more information: annapaolamanfredonia@hotmail.it
