One of South America’s Biggest Dental Events: CIOSP 2026 Report
Growing Demand in Esthetic Dentistry and the Frontier of CR Veneers
Congresso Internacional de Odontologia de São Paulo (CIOSP; “São Paulo International Dental Congress”), held annually in São Paulo, is one of the biggest dental exhibitions and conferences in South America and among the largest in the world. It is hosted by the Associação Paulista de Cirurgiões-Dentistas (APCD). In 2026, roughly 100,000 people attended the four-day event, drawing dental professionals from across South America, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. As the leading event for dentistry in Latin America, CIOSP had a strong presence once again this year.
A Venue With Distinctly Brazilian Flair
According to local sources, women reportedly make up roughly 60–70% of dentists in Brazil. Perhaps as a result, the venue had a refined, sophisticated atmosphere, coupled with the vibrant diversity unique to Brazil.
*Left photograph: The vibe at the company booths, Center photograph: (right) Dr. Daniella Alcalde, Right photograph: Dr. Barbara Bravo
The sheer number of seminars held at the booths was also striking, with content that featured a high level of expertise and practicality.
*Dr. Giovanna Borelli
Featured Topic: Rise in CR Veneer Cases
Among the many seminars, what stood out was the sheer number of talks and case presentations on composite resin (CR) veneers. According to local sources, the CR veneer segment is currently showing especially high growth within the dental field in Brazil due to the following five factors.
(1) Growing Demand for Esthetic Dentistry
Brazilians place great importance on having a beautiful smile and mouth, and “smile esthetics” has apparently become part of the country’s culture. Interest in natural, beautiful anterior teeth is on the rise, driven in part by social media and other media, and demand for esthetic treatment in general has grown.
*Dr. Andre Kimura
(2) CR Veneers Chosen as a Minimally Invasive, Low-Cost Treatment
CR veneers possess the following benefits:
- Minimal removal of tooth structure
- Fast, same-day treatment
- Substantially lower cost than ceramic
- Easy repair or adjustment
Brazil has particularly high demand for esthetic treatment while also facing significant income inequality. As a result, the appeal of treatment that is both affordable and fast is a major draw for patients, making it one of the reasons behind the rapid growth of CR veneers.
(3) Demand for Affordable Esthetic Treatments From a Growing Middle-Class Population
Brazil has recently undergone continued growth in its middle-class population and disposable income. This demographic wants dentistry that delivers beautiful results without being overly expensive, and CR veneers, which improve esthetics at an affordable price point, are a highly practical option for meeting this need. As a result, demand appears to have grown rapidly, particularly among younger and middle-class groups.
(4) The Powerful Influence of Social Media and Influencer Culture
Brazil is one of the world’s leading social media powerhouses, and countless dental cases are shared daily on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Composite resin restoration in particular is easy to understand visually and achievable at a realistic price point, which is why its popularity has surged among younger patients in particular, with social media further encouraging people to choose this treatment.
(5) The Spread of Digital Smile Design
Digital smile design now makes it possible to visualize results before treatment even begins. This makes it easier to manage patient expectations, which in turn has helped increase case acceptance rates for esthetic treatment. Brazil has been relatively quick to adopt digital technology in dentistry and seems to have a strong affinity for CR veneers.
Summary: CR Veneers’ Presence in the South American Market Set to Grow Further
At CIOSP 2026, it was readily apparent that dental materials, digital technology, and esthetic treatment are influencing one another while growing rapidly. CR veneers stand out as being minimally invasive, low-cost, and time-efficient, characteristics that align remarkably well with Brazil’s social and cultural context, and their growth is expected to continue.
Understanding trends in CR veneers seems to be essential to understanding the South American market, and the Brazilian market in particular.
