Our services
Changing how your teeth look, without overselling it.
Plenty of people would like to change something about their smile. That is a legitimate reason to see a dentist, and we are happy to talk it through.
What we will not do is talk you into work you do not need. Some cosmetic treatment is irreversible — porcelain veneers involve permanently reshaping the tooth underneath, and that cannot be undone. Before recommending anything of that kind, Dr Meg will make sure you understand what is being removed, what the likely lifespan is, and what happens when the restoration eventually needs replacing.
Often there is a more conservative option worth considering first: repairing a chip with composite, treating gum inflammation so the gum line settles, straightening rather than covering, or simply doing nothing.
Health first
Cosmetic work sits on top of healthy foundations. Active decay and gum disease are treated before appearance-driven treatment goes ahead, because a veneer on an unhealthy tooth is a short-term result at best.
Realistic expectations
Results vary between people, and no dentist can promise a particular outcome. Tooth colour, gum position, bite, existing restorations and how your teeth are shaped all affect what is achievable. Dr Meg will show you what is realistic for your mouth rather than a stock photograph of someone else’s.
What sits under cosmetic dentistry
Common questions
They should not. Shade, shape and translucency are chosen with you and made by a technician. The most common cause of an obvious result is going several shades brighter than the face around them, and Dr Meg will give you her honest opinion on that.
Preparing a tooth for a porcelain veneer removes some enamel permanently. That is the trade-off, and it is one to understand fully before committing. We will discuss it properly at your consultation.
It depends entirely on what is involved and how many teeth. You will be given a written plan with itemised costs before anything begins.
Yes. That is a legitimate outcome of a cosmetic consultation and it happens reasonably often.
Usually. Active decay and gum disease are treated first, because appearance-driven work placed on unhealthy teeth is a short-term result. Grinding is assessed too, since it chips porcelain.
A consultation, then a preparation appointment, then fitting once the laboratory work is back. Allow a few weeks rather than a few days.