When Libardo came to our office, he knew his smile didn’t reflect what he wanted. A few years ago, he had chosen resin veneers to improve his diastema, a little gap between his front teeth, but over time, he noticed that the space was still visible and that his restorations had lost both aesthetics and functionality. One of the veneers was fractured, all of them had changed color, and his teeth were uniform in size, which did not enhance the harmony of his smile.
It’s important to emphasize that resin is an excellent material for aesthetic rehabilitations, but maintenance is key to preserving its appearance and functionality over time. It requires regular polishing to prevent staining and extra care to avoid fractures. In Libardo’s case, his veneers had reached the end of their cycle, and it was time to transition to a more stable and long-lasting option: ceramic.
Sonrisa Italiana’s team, Dr. Daniel and Dr. Paola Zabaleta, opted for a smile design using lithium disilicate, a material that, in addition to being highly resistant, allows for a much more realistic color outcome. Unlike resin, which tends to lose its shine and become dull over time, ceramic maintains its color stability without the need for constant polishing. It’s not just a single, uniform shade but a blend of hues, translucency, and reflections that perfectly mimic the complexity of natural enamel.
There is a common belief that ceramic results in artificial-looking teeth, but this is not the case. The key lies in how the material is crafted—by integrating different shades and playing with how light interacts with the surface, we achieve a completely natural look. Well-executed ceramic restorations not only replicate the color of a real tooth but also its vitality and depth.
For Libardo, the result was more than just closing a gap—his smile regained depth, harmony, and a natural appearance that will remain long-term without the same maintenance requirements as resin. Ceramic not only transformed his aesthetics but also gave him the peace of mind of a more stable and durable solution.
Case review written by Dr. Laura Bula, expert in dental and facial aesthetics