Cosmetic dentistry: options for changing your smile
Originally published
If you would like to change the colour, shape or position of your teeth, start with a dental assessment. Healthy teeth and gums come first. The dentist can explain which options address your concern, how much treatment they involve and what care they will need afterwards.
There is no single treatment that suits every smile. Sometimes a small repair or whitening is enough; sometimes the underlying problem needs treatment before cosmetic work is considered.
Teeth whitening
Whitening can lighten natural teeth. Dentist-prescribed home treatment uses trays and whitening gel, with a schedule suited to the product and patient. Other methods are carried out in the dental practice.
Results vary, and whitening is not permanent. It does not change the colour of existing crowns, veneers or fillings in the same way as natural teeth. Temporary sensitivity and gum irritation can occur. Read the NHS whitening advice and discuss suitability before starting.
Our listed home whitening kit fee is £300. Ask what the kit and associated appointments include; this is not a price for every whitening method.
Composite bonding and veneers
Composite bonding adds tooth-coloured material to repair a chip or alter a tooth’s shape. It may be a relatively conservative option, but the amount of preparation depends on the tooth and intended change. Composite can stain, wear or chip and may need repair.
Veneers cover the front surface of a tooth. They can be made from composite or porcelain; they differ in preparation, maintenance and cost. Preparation may remove healthy tooth tissue and can be irreversible, so discuss less extensive alternatives too.
The listed fee for a composite veneer is £220. It should not be treated as the fee for a porcelain veneer or every bonding repair. Our guide to composite restoration explains how the material is used.
Crowns and orthodontic treatment
A crown covers a tooth and may be appropriate when it needs substantial structural protection or restoration. It usually requires more preparation than a small bonded repair. A healthy tooth does not automatically need a crown simply to change its appearance.
Our listed porcelain-fused-to-metal crown fee is £500. Other crown materials and any preparatory treatment need their own estimate.
Braces and aligners move teeth rather than cover them. Adults can have orthodontic treatment, but the appliance and likely result depend on the bite, gum health and treatment needed. Clear aligners are not suitable for every case. Treatment takes time, careful cleaning and retainer wear afterwards.
Gum reshaping
The appearance of a broad band of gum when smiling can have different causes. Removing gum tissue is not appropriate for everyone. An assessment is needed before considering surgery, and some crown-lengthening procedures involve bone as well as gum.
Discuss healing, sensitivity, the possibility of gum regrowth and the expected change before deciding. The aim should be agreed in advance without promising a particular appearance.
Planning treatment and costs
Ask for a written plan covering the proposed work, alternatives, limitations, maintenance and total cost. See our dentistry fees and orthodontic fees. Individual listed items do not establish the price of a complete smile makeover.
For payment options, use the current finance information. Contact the practice to discuss your concerns and arrange an assessment.