Cosmetic dentistry

Cosmetic treatment changes how teeth look: their colour, shape or position. The right approach depends on your teeth and on what you would like to change, and sometimes the simplest option is the best one.

• Teeth whitening, to lighten the natural colour of your teeth
• Composite bonding and SmileFast, to change the shape or appearance of teeth
• ClearCorrect clear aligners, to move teeth into a new position
• Veneers, to change the colour, shape or size of front teeth

A useful place to start is the thing that bothers you most. Different treatments suit different concerns, and a single change is sometimes all that’s needed.

• Colour: whitening lightens natural teeth. It doesn’t change fillings, crowns or bonding, and a single dark tooth may need a different approach
• Small chips, gaps or uneven edges: composite bonding can often make these changes with little or no removal of natural tooth
• Crowded or crooked teeth: ClearCorrect aligners move teeth into a new position, rather than disguising where they are
• Several changes at once: SmileFast combines cosmetic procedures in one planned course of treatment, which your dentist will describe for your smile
• Larger changes to colour, shape or size: veneers can change the front of a tooth, usually after removing a thin layer of enamel

Every option is a balance between how much it can change, how much natural tooth it affects, how long it lasts and what it costs over time.

• Whitening: the least invasive way to change colour, as nothing is added or removed. Some people notice temporary sensitivity, and results fade gradually, so top-ups may be needed
• Bonding: changes shape with little or no removal of tooth, and can be repaired or adjusted later. Composite is more likely than ceramic to stain or chip, so expect some upkeep
• SmileFast: because it brings procedures together, its pros and cons are those of the treatments it includes, which your dentist will explain
• ClearCorrect aligners: move your own teeth without removing any, but take months, need wearing for most of the day and rely on your commitment. Retainers are needed afterwards
• Veneers: can change colour and shape together, and ceramic resists staining well. They usually involve gently shaping the tooth first, so they’re a long-term choice, and like any restoration they’ll need renewing one day

Before any cosmetic treatment, your dentist will check that your teeth and gums are healthy, as some problems are best treated first.

They will explain the options that suit your teeth, what each involves, how long the results can be expected to last and what it costs, so that you can decide without pressure.

Natural tooth is worth keeping. Treatments that add to a tooth, or move it, can usually be changed or added to later, while treatments that involve shaping the enamel are a long-term choice.

So your dentist will usually explain the gentler options first. Sometimes a combination works well: for example, straightening with aligners, then whitening, then bonding to tidy up the edges, can sometimes reduce or remove the need for veneers. And sometimes the honest advice is that very little needs to change.

A cosmetic consultation should leave you with clear answers. You might find it helpful to ask:

• How much natural tooth, if any, will be removed?
• How long is the result likely to last, and what upkeep will it need?
• What could go wrong, and what would happen then?
• Would whitening or straightening be sensible first?
• What is the total cost, including any future maintenance or replacement?

The fee list on this page shows current fees for each option. When comparing them, it helps to think about the cost over the years as well as the fee today: whitening may need occasional top-ups, bonding may need polishing or repair, aligners need retainers, and veneers will eventually need replacing. Your dentist will confirm the cost of your treatment before it begins.