Dr. Roberto Viotto , an endodontist, shares his journey from the beginning of his career to becoming a reference in aesthetic dentistry. With an innovative vision, he explains how the use of ceramic laminates revolutionized his treatments and details the evolution of the techniques and materials he uses, such as digital scanners and state-of-the-art milling machines, for superior aesthetic results. In his clinic, which today attracts patients from different regions and even abroad, he seeks to make advanced treatments more accessible, developing hybrid materials and using technology to democratize access to aesthetic dentistry.
When did you realize that aesthetics would be your true passion in dentistry?
I graduated in 2009 and started working in 2010. At that time, aesthetic treatments were basically teeth whitening and some dental restorations with resin. I used to reconstruct one tooth or another, and the satisfaction of patients when they saw their teeth whiter or restored on the same day was very gratifying. The referral worked well, with people coming to me by referral, wanting to whiten their teeth or solve specific problems with resin. This experience was essential, because I realized that aesthetics could really transform my career.
What was your first experience like working with porcelain to achieve superior aesthetic results?
My first experience with porcelain for cosmetic purposes was limited to one or two teeth, usually in cases of root canal treatment or fractures. At the time, I had veneers or crowns, but I was still not satisfied, as it was difficult to match the color and texture with the other teeth.
What motivated you to start using “Ceramic Laminates”, and how did this impact the treatments you offered at the clinic?
In 2012, I discovered, together with my prosthetist, lumineers , ceramic laminates or “dental contact lenses”, as we started to call them. It was a turning point, because porcelain was used to correct one or two teeth, but with laminates, we could transform up to ten teeth at the same time. This technique allowed us to change color, alignment and shape, truly transforming patients’ smiles. This was a big turning point for me as a professional.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when moving to more advanced aesthetic treatments, such as ” Lumineers “?
One of the biggest challenges when adopting more advanced aesthetic treatments, such as dental veneers, was acceptance by other professionals in the field. Since it was something new, there was a lot of distrust, especially on the part of professors and older dentists. So, the initial challenge was dealing with resistance within my own profession.
How did the success with your first patient and the partnership with him as a partner influence the trajectory of your clinic?
In the beginning, my clinic was located above a mechanic’s shop on a popular avenue in São Paulo, and had only two rooms. A friend who had always been treated by renowned dentists, but suffered from bruxism and tooth wear, came to me. After undergoing a complete transformation of his smile, he was so impressed and amazed that he wanted to invest in the clinic. He rented the entire property, transforming it into a large clinic. From that point on, I began to see patients from São Paulo, other states and even abroad.
How do you believe your aesthetic approach contributes to transforming patients’ lives beyond the simple dental function?
In a week or, at most, 12 days, we were able to transform a smile. Many patients arrived overweight, ate poorly and did not take care of themselves aesthetically. With a transformed smile, it was like a “facelift”; this change boosted the desire to take care of the rest of the body. I saw many people start to change their diet, lose weight, take care of their hair and skin. That was how I realized that a smile could be the beginning of a complete transformation.
How do you see the evolution of materials and techniques in dental aesthetics since you started?
The dental industry has kept pace with the growth of porcelain treatments globally. Today, we are much more advanced than we were eight years ago, especially with digital dentistry. Scanners have replaced traditional impressions, offering greater comfort and precision. We have milling machines that allow us to make porcelain teeth on the same day, and porcelain has become increasingly translucent and natural. We will certainly see even more advances in the coming years, with porcelains that are stronger and more natural.
What are your next steps and goals in terms of innovation within the field of dental aesthetics?
My next steps include expanding a hybrid material we created at Clínica Vioto , composed of 60% porcelain and 40% resin. This material is more affordable and aims to serve the lower classes who cannot afford pure porcelain. With digital technology and 3D printers, we will be able to offer aesthetic treatments at a much lower cost. This democratizes access to healthy and beautiful smiles, as a smile is essential for social inclusion. Someone with a compromised smile faces difficulties in finding employment and socializing. Clínica Vioto ‘s goal is to make these treatments accessible to all classes, especially the most disadvantaged.
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