Smile makeover in International Smiles

International Smiles is a multispecialty dental clinic in Medellín's El Poblado neighborhood. Established in 2008, the facility houses nine specialized departments in a single building. Eight doctors provide dental care through a bilingual model that supports English-speaking international patients.

Clinical Standards and Safety Protocols

The clinic follows safety protocols from the American Dental Association and the CDC. For mercury amalgam removal, specialists use the SMART protocol certified by the IAOMT. This technique minimizes exposure to mercury vapors when removing old silver fillings.

Patient safety measures during this procedure include:

• Oxygen administration and oral chelating agents
• Aerosol aspiration and air purification systems
• Full coverage of the patient's hair and skin
• Tooth isolation to prevent ingestion of debris

Infection control includes professional sterilization of all operatories. Patients also rinse with a chlorhexidine antiviral mouthwash before treatments begin.

Dental Implantology and Oral Rehabilitation

The implant department reports a success rate between 90% and 95%. Surgeons perform single implant placements and full-arch rehabilitations using Hybrid Dentistry. This method anchors a full set of teeth to strategically placed implants – often called All-on-X.

Prosthodontists Dr. Lina Rizzo and Dr. Alejandra Garcés manage restorative workflows. They use digital impressions to create precise molds without uncomfortable putty. A lab then fabricates restorations using CAD-CAM technology.

Common restorative options at the clinic include:

• Implant-supported bridges and crowns
• Overdentures anchored by two or four implants
• Lithium disilicate and zirconia restorations
• Sinus-lifting and bone grafting for implant preparation

Implant placement usually requires one visit with follow-ups. Final bridge or crown fabrication typically takes one business week.

Cosmetic Dentistry and Periodontics

Cosmetic specialists perform smile makeovers using thin porcelain veneers. These ceramic shells bond to the front of teeth to correct alignment and color. The clinic also offers Botox injections to treat jaw clenching and TMJ pain.

Dr. Adriana Castaño, an American Board-certified Periodontist, leads the gum health team. She trained at CES University and completed an exchange program at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Her department treats gum disease using Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR) to rebuild lost bone and tissue.

Dr. Maria Piedad Laberry provides specialized surgical services:

• Orthognathic surgery to correct jaw alignment
• Surgical extraction of complex tooth roots
• Treatment for craniofacial trauma and TMJ disorders
• Cleft palate and reconstructive facial surgery

A dentist performs all cleanings directly – not a hygienist. This means a doctor evaluates oral health during every routine visit.

Diagnostic Technologies

The clinic uses digital tools to plan complex surgeries and aesthetic treatments. Specialists work with the Cerec Omnicam for high-resolution 3D scanning of the mouth. This often eliminates the need for physical dental molds.

Available diagnostic equipment includes:

• Orthopantomogram (Panoramic X-ray)
• Cerec Omnicam digital diagnostic modeling
• 3D printing for surgical guides and prototypes
• CAD-CAM design stations for immediate restorations

Supportive Care for International Patients

International Smiles coordinates care through the ISM Experience, which combines dental work with wellness services. The building's second floor hosts specialists in sports medicine, dermatology, and functional medicine. Patients can access IV drip therapy and anti-aging treatments between dental appointments.

Bilingual support is available throughout treatment. The clinic offers virtual consultations before patients travel to Colombia. To ensure focused care, doctors typically treat only one patient at a time.