Did Ronaldinho have his teeth fixed, and were they veneers? Those two questions drive most searches for Ronaldinho teeth. In August 2013 NBC Sports reported that he had oral surgery to give himself a more understated look, and the Spanish wire service EFE described cosmetic work on his gums and teeth with porcelain veneers. Neither report quotes Ronaldinho himself.
In this article from Prof Clinic we look at what the two 2013 reports say, what the photos show, when front teeth that sit forward need treatment and how long that treatment takes.
What Was Reported About Ronaldinho’s Teeth in 2013?
On 14 August 2013 EFE, in a report published by El Dínamo, wrote that Ronaldinho, then at Atlético Mineiro, had cosmetic work on his gums and teeth, with porcelain veneers to cover the front of his teeth. The next day NBC Sports wrote that he had decided to undergo oral surgery for a more understated look and called the change obvious.
Ronaldinho in two photographs from different periods, one in a headband and one in a black cap.
EFE quoted his brother and agent, Roberto Assis, who told Globo Esporte that Ronaldinho had trained normally and that the procedure was a check-up forming part of the treatment. Assis said it would not affect his performance on the pitch and gave no details of the operation, and EFE added that the new smile would be seen in a league match against Bahia that Thursday. The word “veneers” is used in the EFE report only, and neither outlet says what was done first or whether whitening was included.
What Do the Photos Show, and When Do Front Teeth That Sit Forward Need Treatment?
Photographs from earlier in his career and recent ones show a change in the shape, shade and line of his upper teeth. They show what the smile looks like now, not what was done to create it, and we have left out dentists’ opinions on his photos for that reason.
A close-up of Ronaldinho smiling in a black cap.
Ronaldinho smiling outdoors in a pink shirt and black headband.
Do Front Teeth That Sit Forward Need Treatment, and Can Veneers Fix Them?
Not always. The Cleveland Clinic says the upper front teeth normally sit about 2 mm in front of the lower ones, and more than that is called overjet, or buck teeth. It adds that plenty of people do well without an ideal overjet, so treating it isn’t always necessary, and that treatment is generally considered when overjet affects appearance, oral health or function. Left untreated, it can make brushing and flossing harder, which raises the risk of cavities and gum disease. If you want a change, there are three routes:
- Braces or clear braces: they move the teeth back into line, and the NHS says fixed braces usually stay on for one to two years.
- Veneers: the Cleveland Clinic says they may camouflage the issue but don’t correct the underlying condition, and the American Dental Association says the treatment is not reversible because enamel is removed.
- Orthodontics or jaw surgery: the Cleveland Clinic says severe overjet, 8 to 10 millimetres or more, may need additional orthodontics or jaw surgery.
So can veneers fix teeth that sit forward? They can change how the teeth look, but if the teeth themselves need to move, braces do that job.
Read as well: Cristiano Ronaldo Teeth Before and After: Braces to Smile Today
What Makes Front Teeth Stick Out, and How Long Does Treatment Take?
The Cleveland Clinic lists three causes. Genetics comes first: if a parent or sibling has an overjet, you are more likely to have one. The second is tongue thrusting, when the tongue presses against the back of the upper front teeth as you swallow. The third is thumb or finger sucking after the age of four.
Ronaldinho speaking at a press conference in a black cap and red shirt.
Age is not a barrier. The ADA says healthy teeth can be treated with braces at any age, and most people are in treatment for one to three years. The NHS describes the usual course of a fixed brace:
- The orthodontist fits the brace.
- You return every six to eight weeks for adjustments over the one to two years it stays on.
- You wear a retainer, which stops your teeth moving back to their original position, for as long as the orthodontist says.
If veneers follow for shape or shade, the ADA says to brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and clean between your teeth daily, because cavities can still form under or around a veneer.
Read as well: Brock Lesnar’s Teeth: The Bottom Crowding Explained
Prof Clinic: Hollywood Smile in Istanbul, Turkey
Our Hollywood Smile treatments in Turkey are planned from 3D imaging and digital smile design, using E-max and zirconia, and crowns, implants and whitening are done at the same clinic, so your case isn’t passed between providers. Our coordination team answers your questions on WhatsApp and handles follow-up once you’re home. Before recommending anything, we check:
| Factor | What we assess | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Bite and jaw position | How the upper and lower teeth meet | Shows whether the teeth need moving or a cosmetic change is enough |
| Tooth structure | Enamel and existing fillings | Veneers need some enamel removed, so what remains limits the options |
| Gum health | Gum line and signs of inflammation | Decay and gum disease are treated before any veneer work |
| Shape and shade | A digital smile design preview built from the 3D scan | Lets you see the planned result before any work begins |
Every case is different, so we plan each one separately. If you’d like our opinion on your own mouth, send an X-ray or photos through our contact page, or see real cases in the Before & After gallery.
Ronaldinho’s Teeth: Your Questions Answered
1. Did Ronaldinho fix his teeth?
Two reports from August 2013 say so: NBC Sports described oral surgery for a more understated look, and EFE described cosmetic work on his gums and teeth. Neither quotes Ronaldinho.
2. Did Ronaldinho have veneers?
EFE reported porcelain veneers, and NBC Sports did not name the procedure. There is no statement from Ronaldinho himself.
3. Can veneers fix front teeth that stick out?
Only partly. The Cleveland Clinic says veneers can camouflage the issue but don’t correct the underlying condition, and severe cases can need orthodontics or jaw surgery.
4. How long does treatment for front teeth that stick out take?
The NHS says a fixed brace usually stays on for one to two years, and the ADA says most people are in treatment for one to three years. A retainer follows.
Medical note: Press reports and photos can’t show what treatment lies behind a smile. Ronaldinho has no known connection to Prof Clinic, and his dental appearance should not be read as a Prof Clinic case.
References / Sources
- Cleveland Clinic — Overjet (Buck Teeth): What It Is & How To Fix It
- NHS — Orthodontics
- American Dental Association (MouthHealthy) — Braces
- American Dental Association (MouthHealthy) — Veneers
- El Dínamo (EFE) — Nada será lo mismo: Ronaldinho se operó la dentadura
- NBC Sports — Smile big: Ronaldinho fixes his teeth
