Thinking About Cosmetic Dental Treatment?
This sheet explains what you need to know before choosing a cosmetic dental procedure (such as veneers, whitening, bonding, or crowns).
Please read it carefully and ask us any questions.
What are cosmetic dental procedures?
Cosmetic dental procedures aim to improve the appearance of your teeth and smile. They are usually elective (your choice) rather than medically necessary. Possible benefits can include:
- Whiter, brighter teeth
- Improved shape, size, or alignment
- More confidence in your smile
There are many alternatives to cosmetic procedures and depending on your needs, these may include:
- No treatment (keeping your natural teeth as they are)
- Teeth whitening instead of veneers
- Orthodontics instead of reshaping teeth
- Composite bonding instead of crowns
- Referral to another dental specialist
Risks and limitations
All dental procedures carry some risks. For cosmetic dentistry, these may include:
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
- Gum irritation or soreness
- Chipping or breaking of veneers or bonding
- Decay or gum problems developing around restorations
- Irreversible changes to natural tooth structure (once enamel is removed, it can’t be replaced)
- Colour changes over time or mismatch with natural teeth
- Future maintenance – restorations may need replacement in 5–15 years
- Possible dissatisfaction if expectations are unrealistic
Things to know before you decide
- Results vary between individuals. No dentist can guarantee a “perfect” smile.
- Ongoing care is needed- you may need repairs or replacements in future.
- Costs can be significant.
- Cooling-off period – If you are under 18, you must wait at least 7 days after the consultation before starting treatment.
- Your choice- You can change your mind and withdraw consent at any time before treatment begins.
- After treatment You may experience sensitivity or mild discomfort.
Follow all care instructions we provide. Contact us immediately if you have severe pain, swelling, or anything unexpected. Cosmetic dental treatment is your choice. Take your time, ask questions, and only go ahead if you feel fully informed and comfortable.
Teeth Whitening
What it is: Whitening (bleaching) lightens the colour of your natural teeth using peroxide-based gels.
What it can do: Make teeth look whiter and brighter and improve the appearance of discolouration (from coffee, tea, smoking, age).
Limitations:
- Crowns, fillings, and veneers will not whiten.
- Some stains (e.g. tetracycline, enamel defects) may not fully respond.
- Results fade with time- top-up treatments may be needed.
Risks:
- Temporary sensitivity to hot/cold.
- Gum or lip irritation if gel touches soft tissues.
- Uneven whitening (especially if you have existing fillings, crowns or root-filled teeth).
- Overuse can damage enamel.
- External inflammatory resorption (rare).
Alternatives: Professional cleaning or veneers or crowns to mask colour.
Aftercare:
- Avoid strong staining foods/drinks (coffee, tea, red wine) for 48 hours.
- Brush and floss regularly to maintain results.
Options for whitening:
- In chair teeth whitening.
- Custom made bleach trays and whitening syringes.
- Opalescence box of 10 single use bleach trays.
Crowns/ Veneers- Indirect ceramics
What it is: Thin shells of porcelain bonded to the tooth to change the colour, shape, length or alignment.
What it can do:
- Create a brighter, more even smile.
- Mask discolouration or chips.
- Close small gaps.
- Improve shape or size of teeth
Limitations:
- Porcelain crowns/ veneers usually last 7–15 years, composite 3–7 years.
- They may chip, stain, or come loose.
- Tooth enamel usually must be permanently removed.
- Gums and underlying teeth still age and change.
Risks:
- Sensitivity after preparation.
- Risk of nerve damage → possible root canal treatment.
- Crown/ Veneer chipping, debonding, or fracture.
- Colour mismatch with natural teeth over time
- It is an irreversible procedure — once prepared, tooth always needs coverage
Alternatives: Whitening (if colour only), Orthodontics (if alignment is the main issue), Composite bonding
Aftercare:
- Avoid biting very hard foods with veneered teeth.
- Good oral hygiene is essential to prevent decay at margins.
- Regular check-ups and maintenance are required
Direct Composite Bonding
What it is: Tooth-coloured resin applied to teeth to repair chips, reshape, close small gaps or mask discolouration.
What it can do:
- Improve shape, symmetry and colour.
- Usually completed in one visit.
- Less invasive than porcelain veneers.
Limitations:
- Lasts 3–7 years on average.
- Can chip, stain or wear down faster than porcelain.
- Less strong than veneers/crowns.
Risks:
- Bonding may chip or break.
- Colour may not match perfectly and can stain over time.
- May need repair or replacement sooner than porcelain.
Alternatives: Whitening (for colour change), Porcelain veneers (longer lasting), Orthodontics (for alignment issues)
Aftercare:
- Avoid biting pens, fingernails or very hard foods.
- Regular polishing may be needed.
- Maintain good oral hygiene and attend reviews
