Cosmetic Dentistry

You do not need a referral for a cosmetic dental appointment. It is important to consult with a qualified cosmetic dentist to discuss your aesthetic goals and treatment options.

There are various treatment options that the dentist will discuss with you. These options are tailored to address specific cosmetic concerns such as chipped teeth, crooked teeth, or even missing teeth. By working closely with a cosmetic dentist, you can explore solutions like porcelain veneers for a natural look, dental implants for missing teeth, or composite bonding for cracked teeth. Each procedure is designed to enhance your smile while maintaining the health of your natural teeth and gums.

Depending on your preferred option, cosmetic dental treatments can be completed in a single appointment or multiple appointments. Simple procedures like teeth whitening or cosmetic bonding might be completed in just one visit, offering a quick path to a stunning new smile. More complex treatments, such as smile makeovers or dental implants, may require several appointments to achieve optimal results. Regardless of the treatment path you choose, our whole team is dedicated to ensuring a pain-free experience and a beautiful smile that you can be proud of.

How to prepare for your appointment

By thinking about what makes you unhappy about your current smile.

Sometimes, we involve skilled dental technicians to provide us with models of what your smile may look like to show you before you start any treatment. A dental hygienist may also be involved in the preparation process, ensuring your teeth are clean and free of plaque before any cosmetic procedures. This step is crucial as it ensures that the foundation of your cosmetic treatment is solid, promoting long-lasting results.

After the initial consultation, you will be given a treatment plan to read which will set out the options available to you and help you decide on the treatment you would like. This plan will detail each step of the procedure, including the expected timeline, cost, and any necessary aftercare. Understanding the process thoroughly will empower you to make informed decisions about your dental health and aesthetic goals.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening lightens the colour of your teeth and helps to remove stains and discolouration. This procedure is ideal for those looking to enhance the brightness of their smile without altering the structure of their teeth.

Using a whitening gel and custom-made trays, teeth whitening lightens the natural shade of teeth to make them look brighter and whiter. The custom-fit trays ensure even application of the whitening gel, maximizing the effectiveness of the treatment and minimizing any potential irritation to the gums.

Please note that crowns, bridges and fillings cannot be whitened. It’s important to consider this when planning your treatment, as you may need additional procedures to ensure a uniform appearance across all dental work.

Initial appointment

Dental moulds (impressions) will be taken of your teeth and sent to a dental laboratory to produce the custom-made trays. This ensures that the trays fit perfectly, providing optimal contact with your teeth for the whitening process.

The shade of your current teeth will be recorded and photographs will be taken. This is to compare the pre and post-whitening results. Documenting your progress allows you to see the tangible improvements in your smile and assess the effectiveness of the treatment.

Fitting appointment

Two weeks after the initial appointment, you will have a fitting appointment where the dentist will check that the custom-made trays fit comfortably and give you instructions on how to use the whitening gel. The dentist will explain the process in full and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions. This ensures you are comfortable and confident in using the whitening kit at home.

Then you will be ready to use your whitening kit at home. Following the dentist’s guidance, you can achieve professional-level results in the comfort of your own home, at a pace that suits your lifestyle.

Veneers

Tooth-coloured material designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers are a versatile solution for a variety of cosmetic concerns, from minor misalignments to significant discoloration.

Veneers are made of porcelain or a resin composite material and are wafer thin. They are shaped in a specific way that covers the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. The veneers are bonded to your front teeth to improve their size, shape, length and even colour. This bonding process not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your teeth but also adds a layer of protection to the tooth’s surface.

You will first have a consultation to assess whether you are suitable for dental veneers. You will then usually require two appointments to complete the treatment. This ensures that the veneers are tailored to your specific needs and preferences, resulting in a natural look that complements your overall facial features.

Appointment 1

Your teeth are examined and prepared to make room for, or build up the tooth to, support the new restoration. Moulds of your teeth are taken and sent to a skilled dental technician to construct the veneer, to the dentist’s specification. You may be given a temporary veneer to protect and cover the prepared tooth while your new restoration is being made. This temporary solution allows you to maintain your smile’s appearance while waiting for the permanent veneers to be crafted.

Appointment 2

The temporary veneer is removed, and the new veneer fitted. The dentist will check the fit and colour of the new veneer carefully. If everything is acceptable, the final restoration is cemented in. This careful attention to detail ensures that the veneers blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing a stunning new smile that looks and feels completely natural.

You may need to have local anaesthetic during your appointment so we advise that you eat something before your visit as your mouth may be numb for a few hours afterwards. This precaution helps to minimize any discomfort during the procedure, allowing you to focus on the exciting transformation of your smile.

Following treatment, you will be given aftercare instructions. Maintaining a healthy tooth structure is crucial for the longevity of your cosmetic dental results. It’s important to adhere to these guidelines to preserve the aesthetic and functional benefits of your treatment. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings, along with a consistent oral hygiene routine, will help ensure the longevity of your stunning new smile.

All risks and benefits will be discussed with you at your consultation. Understanding these aspects will allow you to make informed decisions and set realistic expectations for your cosmetic dental journey.

Teeth whitening review appointment

Two-to-four weeks after the fitting appointment, the dentist will review and assess your teeth. They will compare your whitened teeth with the shade record and photographs taken at the initial appointment. This review helps to confirm the effectiveness of the whitening process and addresses any concerns you may have. The results will be recorded and discussed with you, providing an opportunity to plan any further cosmetic treatments if desired. Additionally, the dentist may offer tips on maintaining your newly brightened smile, such as avoiding foods and drinks that can cause staining.