What each treatment does
- Teeth whitening: lightens natural teeth, in the clinic or with take-home trays.
- Composite bonding: tooth-coloured resin added to repair chips, close small gaps or reshape edges, usually in one visit.
- Veneers: thin porcelain or composite facings for front teeth that are discoloured, worn or uneven.
- Crowns: when a front tooth is heavily filled or broken, not just discoloured.
- Smile makeover: a planned combination of treatments.
- Gum contouring: evening out an uneven or gummy gum line.
- Gum depigmentation: lightening dark or patchy gums, by laser or a gentle surgical technique.
- Invisalign and clear aligners: straightening crowded or gappy teeth almost invisibly.
- Tooth jewellery: a small crystal bonded to the surface, removable without damage.
Before any cosmetic treatment
Healthy teeth and gums come first. Decay or gum disease is treated before whitening or veneers, otherwise the result won’t last. We’ll also tell you if a change you want would mean removing a lot of healthy tooth, and what the alternatives are.
Helpful reading
Questions patients ask us
What is the least invasive way to improve my smile?
Often whitening, composite bonding or a little reshaping, none of which removes much tooth. Veneers and crowns change more but need some tooth to be removed. We'll start with the simplest option that will achieve what you want.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Professionally supervised whitening is safe for most people. Temporary sensitivity is common. It only whitens natural teeth; existing fillings, crowns and veneers stay the same colour.
How long do veneers last?
Porcelain veneers commonly last 10 to 15 years or more with care. Composite veneers are cheaper and easier to repair but stain and chip more, often lasting five to seven years.
Can crooked teeth be fixed without braces?
Mildly crooked teeth can sometimes be disguised with bonding or veneers, but moving the teeth with braces or aligners often keeps more natural tooth. We'll show you both routes where they apply.
Last updated 14 October 2026.