Before
AfterCeramic veneers
A businesswoman from Medellín. She came in uncomfortable with her smile and with a very clear idea of what she wanted: for it to look natural. The design was done with ceramic veneers on the upper arch.
🇨🇴 Medellín, Colombia · High-End Aesthetic Restorations
Crowns and veneers
nobody will know are artificial
Zirconia crowns and ceramic veneers in Medellín with 100% natural results. International-grade materials. 20+ year durability. Save up to 65% vs. USA.
🇺🇸 USA🇵🇦 Panamá🇵🇷 Puerto Rico🇨🇷 Costa Rica🇨🇴 Colombia
17+
years experience
3,500+
restorations done
20+
year durability
65%
savings vs. USA
Before and after
Veneer and crown cases
Photographs of patients treated at the clinic, unretouched and with no stock images.
BeforeAfter
Before
AfterVeneer replacement
She travelled from Orlando with veneers over twenty years old: stained, with receded gums. She wanted them to look natural and to last. They were removed and new ceramic veneers were made for the upper arch, restoring shape and colour and adapting the design to the new gum position. 4-5 days, with try-ins before cementing and a protective guard included.
Before
AfterCeramic smile design
"I do not like my smile, my teeth look yellow." That is how she arrived. Aesthetic rehabilitation of the upper arch in ceramic, with intermediate try-ins to approve shape and colour before cementing. 4-5 days, with a protective guard included.
Real clinical photos published with patient consent. Each case is unique and individual results may vary depending on diagnosis and each person's biological response.
What is a zirconia crown?
Zirconia is a white metal of very high strength, biocompatible and highly esthetic. With no gray metal base inside, it leaves no dark line at the gum and reflects light much like a natural tooth, even with thin gums.
How your zirconia crown or prosthesis is made
- 01Digital design (CAD): from the 3D intraoral scan, it is designed on computer with the exact shape, size and bite for your case.
- 02Precision milling (CAM): a zirconia block is milled following that design, with no pieces made by eye.
- 03Polishing and finishing: it is sintered, color-characterized and polished to the shine and texture of a natural tooth.
- 04Adhesive cementation: the crown is bonded to the tooth with adhesive cement that seals the margin, for a firm, long-lasting fit.
Zirconia vs E-max vs Composite
Each material has its precise indication. The right choice makes the difference in the final result.
| Material | Aesthetics | Strength | Approx. duration | Main indication |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monolithic Zirconia★ Most requested | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | 20-25 years | Molars, heavily damaged teeth, implant prosthetics |
| E-max (Lithium Disilicate) | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | 15-20 years | Front teeth, veneers, high-aesthetic crowns |
| Direct Composite | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | 5-8 years | Minor corrections, limited budget, temporary cases |
Crown, veneer or composite?
Quick guide to understand what type of restoration you need.
When do I need a CROWN?
- •The tooth has extensive decay or is very weakened
- •There is a prior root canal treatment
- •The tooth is fractured or with more than 50% structure loss
- •You need to restore a dental implant
- •The tooth has severe discoloration from medication or trauma
When is a VENEER better?
- •The tooth is structurally healthy but with aesthetic issues
- •You want color, shape or proportion change with minimal reduction
- •You have gaps between teeth (diastemas)
- •Slightly misaligned teeth without wanting braces
- •Irregular edges or chipped teeth
When does COMPOSITE work?
- •Minor shape or color corrections
- •Young patients (teeth still developing)
- •Temporary result while deciding
- •Limited budget with possibility of future upgrade
- •Teeth with little structure loss
Not sure which you need? Send us photos of your teeth and we'll tell you exactly what applies in your case, at no cost or commitment.
How much you save choosing Medellín
Prices in USD · Same imported materials, same cutting-edge technology
| Procedure | USA Price | Medellín Price | Your savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zirconia crown (per unit) | $1,200 – $2,000 | $500 – $800 | Save ~60% |
| Porcelain veneer (per unit) | $1,500 – $2,500 | $550 – $850 | Save ~65% |
| E-max crown (per unit) | $1,400 – $2,200 | $600 – $900 | Save ~60% |
| Full rehabilitation (8 crowns/veneers) | $10,000 – $18,000 | $4,000 – $7,000 | Save ~60% |
* Prices are referential. Exact plan and cost is defined in the diagnostic consultation.
The process in 5-7 days
Optimized for international patients. 2-3 clinical visits.
01
Diagnosis and digital design
Photos, 3D scan and clinical inspection. Digital design of restorations with preview of the final result.
02
Tooth preparation
Under local anesthesia, controlled and precise tooth reduction to receive the crown or veneer. Digital impression to the lab.
03
Laboratory fabrication
Certified dental lab fabricates the piece in zirconia or E-max with CAD/CAM technology. 2-4 days fabrication time.
04
Final bonding and adjustment
Definitive placement, bite adjustment and final polishing. Occlusion control included. All in 5-7 days.
Frequently asked questions
How long do zirconia crowns last?
Well-made and cared-for monolithic zirconia crowns last 20-25 years. They are the most resistant material available in restorative dentistry. The key is laboratory quality, bonding precision and patient maintenance.
Do zirconia crowns look natural?
Modern zirconia has excellent aesthetics, especially for posterior teeth. For front teeth where translucency is crucial, E-max (lithium disilicate) or multilayer zirconia offer results virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Which is better, a zirconia or E-max crown?
It depends on the tooth. Zirconia is the most resistant material and is preferred for posterior teeth and bruxism cases. E-max (lithium disilicate) is more translucent and is preferred for front teeth, where aesthetics and a natural look are critical. The material is chosen at your assessment based on each tooth's position and function.
What is the difference between a crown and a veneer?
A crown covers the entire tooth (360°) and requires more reduction. A veneer only covers the visible face of the tooth with minimal reduction. A crown is indicated when the tooth has significant structural damage; a veneer when the tooth is healthy but has aesthetic problems.
How much does a zirconia crown cost in Colombia?
A zirconia crown in Medellín costs between $500 and $800 USD per unit, compared to $1,200–$2,000 USD in the United States, around 60% savings. A full rehabilitation of 8 crowns or veneers ranges from $4,000 to $7,000 USD. The exact price depends on the number of units and is confirmed at your assessment.
Does it hurt to place a dental crown or veneer?
Tooth preparation is done under local anesthesia. There is no pain during the procedure. Post-preparation there may be sensitivity for 24-48 hours. During the laboratory time, a temporary restoration is placed to protect the prepared tooth.
Can I do everything in one trip to Medellín?
Yes. The complete process of diagnosis, preparation, laboratory fabrication and final bonding can be done in 5-7 business days, perfectly compatible with a one-week trip. The laboratory works in parallel to optimize timing.
Your ceramic restoration specialist
Dra. Carolina Macareno
- ✓Dentist, Universidad El Bosque
- ✓Oral Rehabilitation Specialist, Universidad CES
- ✓Implantology, FACOP
- ✓Aesthetic Dentistry, New York University
- ✓17+ years of clinical practice in Medellín
- ✓3,500+ restorations done, including international patients
- ✓Care in Spanish and English
- ✓Certified dental lab with CAD/CAM technology
- ✓Digital restoration design with result preview
- ✓Materials: IPS e.max, Vita Suprinity, Ivoclar Vivadent
"A well-made crown or veneer should not be visible as such, it should simply be the most beautiful tooth in the mouth and go unnoticed."
Dra. Carolina Macareno
Start today
Your perfect restoration starts with one message
Free virtual evaluation. No commitment. Response in less than 24 hours. Send us photos of the teeth you want to restore and we'll tell you exactly what you need.
El Poblado, Medellín · Care in Spanish and English