Purpose: To change the shape, colour or alignment of teeth.

Individual results: Outcomes vary between patients. The results one person experiences will not necessarily reflect the results another person may experience.

Risks & Considerations: Veneer treatment generally involves the removal of a thin layer of enamel, which does not grow back. Some patients may experience sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure, either temporarily or for longer periods. Veneers are designed to be durable, but they can still chip, crack, or loosen over time, particularly in people who grind their teeth or place heavy force on them.

• Colour selection is carried out to achieve a natural appearance, but results may not always match expectations exactly.
• Gums can become inflamed if cleaning is not maintained or if veneers do not sit properly.
• Veneers are not permanent and may require replacement due to normal wear, accidental damage, or changes in the surrounding teeth or gum tissue.
• A patient’s bite may feel different after treatment and sometimes requires further adjustments.
• Some people may react to dental materials or anaesthetic.

Treatment and recovery: Treatment is usually spread over 2 to 6 visits depending on complexity. Recovery time after each visit varies between individuals — some people resume daily routines soon after, while others may need additional time. Healing varies between patients, but most settle within about two weeks. Long-term maintenance is essential, and your dentist will provide a plan, which may involve additional costs.

• Colour selection is carried out to achieve a natural appearance, but results may not always match expectations exactly.
• Gums can become inflamed if cleaning is not maintained or if veneers do not sit properly.
• Veneers are not permanent and may require replacement due to normal wear, accidental damage, or changes in the surrounding teeth or gum tissue.
• A patient’s bite may also feel different after treatment, sometimes needing minor adjustments.
• In rare cases, people may react to dental materials or anaesthetic.

Treatment time is usually spread over 2 to 6 visits depending on complexity. Most people return to daily routines quickly, though some may need a short recovery period. Healing varies, but most settle within about two weeks. Long-term maintenance is essential, and your dentist will provide a plan which may involve additional costs.

Purpose: To reduce the amount of gum tissue visible when smiling.

Individual results: Outcomes vary between patients. The results one person experiences will not necessarily reflect the results another person may experience.

About this treatment: A “gummy smile” describes a smile where more gum tissue than usual is visible above the teeth. Treatment options may include gum reshaping with laser technology or the use of injectables to relax the upper lip muscles and reduce gum display. These procedures are cosmetic in nature and are not suitable for everyone. Suitability depends on the cause of the gum display, which may relate to gum tissue, tooth position, or jaw structure, and this is assessed during your consultation.

Laser gum contouring: This involves removing small amounts of gum tissue to change the gum to tooth ratio. Possible risks and considerations include:

• Post treatment swelling, discomfort, or gum sensitivity.
• Uneven healing or a result that differs from what was expected.
• Additional treatment may be required to achieve or maintain the desired effect.
• Some people may react to anaesthetic or materials used during the procedure.
• Recovery time varies between individuals. Most people return to daily activities within a short period, though healing times differ from person to person.

Injectable treatments: These aim to temporarily relax the muscles that lift the upper lip. Possible risks and considerations include:

• Bruising, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site.
• Asymmetry or reduced movement of the upper lip.
• An altered appearance when smiling, speaking, or eating while the treatment is active.
• In uncommon cases, allergic reactions to the product or injection related complications.
• Effects are temporary, and repeat treatments are usually needed to maintain the result.
• Injectable treatments are not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or for people with certain medical conditions. These factors will be discussed during your consultation.

Consultation and decision making: Your consultation is an opportunity to discuss whether treatment is appropriate for you, what the likely outcome may be, and what risks apply to your circumstances. Undergoing a cosmetic procedure is a significant decision and should not be rushed. Ongoing care and follow up may be needed, and additional costs may occur over time.

Purpose: To change the alignment of teeth using a series of removable clear aligners.

Individual results: Outcomes vary between patients. The length, progress, and final result of treatment depend on each person’s individual circumstances, and the results one person experiences will not necessarily reflect the results another person may experience.

Risks & Considerations: Clear aligner therapy can cause the following:

• Temporary discomfort as teeth shift position, including tenderness of the gums, cheeks, or lips.
• Changes to speech, such as a lisp, may occur in the early stages of wearing aligners. For many people this settles within the first couple of weeks, but this varies between individuals.
• Most people continue their usual diet, but good oral hygiene is essential. If aligners are worn without adequate brushing and flossing, there is a risk of tooth decay, gum disease, or permanent white marks on the teeth.
• Small spaces sometimes called “black triangles” may appear between teeth that were previously crowded, if the gum tissue does not fully fill the gaps once teeth are realigned.
• Some people may react to the aligner materials.
• In some cases, teeth may not move as planned, and the treatment approach may need to be adjusted along the way.

What affects treatment outcomes: Treatment success depends heavily on wearing the aligners for the recommended daily time and attending scheduled reviews. If aligners are not worn consistently, treatment may take longer or be less effective. In more complex cases, additional steps such as attachments, elastics, or reshaping of the tooth surface may be required.

Treatment and recovery: There is no formal recovery period after fitting aligners, but many people need a short period of adjustment when beginning treatment and when moving to each new set of aligners. The overall length of treatment depends on individual needs and how the teeth respond. Following active treatment, retainers are generally needed long term to reduce the risk of teeth moving back into their previous position.

Consultation and planning: During your consultation, your dentist will assess whether clear aligner therapy is appropriate for you, discuss the likely outcome and timeframe, and outline a personalised treatment plan. There may be further costs beyond the initial treatment, including retainers and ongoing reviews.

Purpose: To repair teeth that are too damaged for a filling but do not require a full crown.

Individual results: Outcomes vary between patients. The results one person experiences will not necessarily reflect the results another person may experience.

About this treatment: Inlays and onlays are dental restorations used to repair teeth that have more damage than a filling can address, but where a full crown is not required. An inlay fits within the grooves of a tooth, while an onlay covers one or more of the cusps. They are usually made from materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or composite resin, and are bonded to the tooth surface. Because they are fabricated outside the mouth and then fitted, inlays and onlays can provide a precise restoration. Like all dental work, they are not permanent and may eventually require replacement due to wear, fracture, or changes in the surrounding tooth structure.

Risks & Considerations: Inlays and onlays can involve the following:

• Tooth sensitivity, particularly if a large area of enamel or dentine has been affected. This may be temporary or longer lasting.
• Teeth that require inlays or onlays may already be weakened, and further treatment such as root canal therapy may be needed at some point in the future.
• As with all bonded restorations, there is a risk of the restoration becoming dislodged or fracturing under heavy biting forces.
• The colour or appearance of the restoration may not match surrounding teeth exactly.
• The bite may feel different after treatment and sometimes requires further adjustment.
• Gum irritation or inflammation may develop if cleaning is inadequate or if the restoration does not sit properly.
• Some people may react to the materials used or to anaesthetic.

Treatment and recovery: Treatment usually involves two visits, one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and another to fit the restoration. Recovery varies between individuals. Most people return to daily activities soon after each visit, though some may experience discomfort or sensitivity that settles over time. Good oral hygiene and regular dental reviews are important to help maintain inlays and onlays, and additional maintenance costs may apply over time.

Purpose: To change the appearance of uneven, chipped, or irregularly shaped teeth.

Individual results: Outcomes vary between patients. The results one person experiences will not necessarily reflect the results another person may experience.

About this treatment: Tooth recontouring, sometimes called reshaping, is a cosmetic treatment in which small amounts of enamel are smoothed or adjusted to change the appearance of uneven, chipped, or irregularly shaped teeth. The procedure can help create more even alignment with surrounding teeth or reduce overlaps. Because the process involves removing enamel, which does not regenerate, only limited adjustments can be made. The treatment is generally suited to small cosmetic changes rather than significant changes in appearance. It may be combined with other treatments such as bonding or whitening as part of a personalised plan.

Risks & Considerations: Tooth recontouring can involve the following:

• Increased tooth sensitivity, particularly if a larger amount of enamel is removed. Sensitivity may be temporary or longer lasting.
• Changes to the bite if too much reshaping is carried out, which may require further adjustment.
• Discomfort if the underlying tooth structure is affected during the procedure.
• Because enamel does not grow back, any changes made are permanent and cannot be reversed.
• The final appearance may not match expectations exactly.
• Not everyone is a suitable candidate. Suitability depends on the thickness of the enamel, the position of the tooth, and overall dental health.

Treatment and recovery: Treatment is usually completed in a single visit. Most people can return to their usual activities after the appointment, though experiences vary between individuals.

Consultation and decision making: During your consultation, the benefits, potential risks, and alternative treatment options will be discussed so you can decide whether tooth recontouring is appropriate for you. Ongoing dental reviews are recommended, and additional costs may apply if further treatment is needed over time.

Purpose: To change the appearance of chipped, uneven, or discoloured teeth using a tooth coloured resin.

Individual results: Outcomes vary between patients. The results one person experiences will not necessarily reflect the results another person may experience.

About this treatment: Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that uses a tooth coloured resin to change the appearance of teeth affected by chips, gaps, discolouration, or uneven shapes. The resin is applied to the tooth surface, then shaped, hardened, and polished to blend with the surrounding teeth. Bonding generally involves little or no enamel removal, which is different from procedures like veneers or crowns. The material is not as strong as porcelain, and bonded areas may be more prone to chipping, staining, or wearing down over time. Bonded areas may need repair or replacement at some point.

Risks & Considerations: Dental bonding can involve the following:

• Tooth sensitivity after treatment, which may be temporary or longer lasting.
• Gum irritation around the treated area.
• The bonding material may discolour more readily than natural enamel, particularly with frequent consumption of tea, coffee, red wine, or tobacco.
• Chipping, fracture, or wear, especially in people who grind their teeth or place heavy biting forces on their teeth.
• The final shape or colour may not match expectations exactly.
• Bonded areas may detach from the tooth over time and require rebonding or replacement.
• Some people may react to the bonding materials.

Treatment and recovery: Treatment can often be completed in a single visit, depending on the number of teeth involved. Most people can continue their usual activities after the appointment, though experiences vary between individuals.

Consultation and decision making: During your consultation, the benefits, potential risks, and alternative treatment options will be discussed so you can decide whether dental bonding is appropriate for you. Suitability depends on your individual oral health. Ongoing dental reviews are recommended to maintain bonded areas, and additional costs may apply over time for repair or replacement.

Purpose: To replace missing teeth. Dental implants use a titanium post placed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or crown. All-on-4 (or All-on-6) uses four or six implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth.

Individual results: Outcomes vary between patients. The length of treatment, healing experience, and long term result depend on each person’s individual circumstances, and the results one person experiences will not necessarily reflect the results another person may experience.

About this treatment: Dental implants can replace single or multiple missing teeth. All-on implants use four to six implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth. Implant treatment involves surgery and is a significant decision that requires planning, healing time, and ongoing maintenance. Digital imaging and planning are used to guide placement, but as with any surgical procedure, risks apply. In some cases, bone grafts or sinus lifts are required to provide enough bone for placement, and each of these additional procedures has its own risks and healing considerations. Before surgery, habits such as smoking may need to be stopped for a period to support healing, and certain medical conditions or medications may affect suitability.

Risks & Considerations: Dental implant surgery can involve the following:

• In the upper jaw, implants may be placed close to the sinus, and complications such as sinus involvement or reduced bone support can occur.
• In the lower jaw, implants may be near nerves that affect sensation to the lips, chin, or tongue. Temporary or permanent changes in sensation may occur.
• Implants may fail to integrate with the bone, in which case they need to be removed, and further surgery may be required.
• Infection around the implant, bone loss, or gum recession may develop over time.
• Swelling, bruising, and bleeding are common after surgery and can last several days.
• Pain after surgery can last one to two weeks and is usually managed with medication, although pain experience varies between individuals.
• Smoking increases the likelihood of implant failure and infection.
• Some people may react to anaesthetic or to the implant materials.
• Implants and the replacement teeth attached to them are not permanent. They may need repair, adjustment, or replacement over time due to wear, fracture, or changes in the surrounding bone and gums.
• Regular reviews, often every four to six months, are important to detect and manage any problems early.
• In the case of All-on-4 or All-on-6, failure of one or more implants may affect the whole replacement arch, and additional surgery may be required.

Treatment and recovery: Recovery after implant surgery varies between individuals. Patients are generally advised to avoid strenuous activity for at least 48 hours and to limit exercise for about ten days. Recovery often involves eating soft foods, and some people need time off work or support at home. Most people heal within about two weeks, though healing times differ from person to person, and full integration of the implant with the bone takes several months. Anaesthetic risks will be discussed before surgery.

Consultation and decision making: During your consultation, your suitability for implants will be assessed, and the benefits, risks, alternatives, and likely costs will be discussed. Implant treatment is a significant decision with both a surgical and a long term component, and it should not be rushed. Long term professional maintenance is necessary, and additional costs may apply over time for reviews, repairs, or replacement.

Purpose: To change the colour of teeth to a lighter shade.

Individual results: Outcomes vary between patients. The degree of whitening, how the teeth respond, and how long the result lasts depend on each person’s individual circumstances, and the results one person experiences will not necessarily reflect the results another person may experience.

About this treatment: Teeth whitening uses a gel containing a bleaching agent to change the colour of natural teeth. Two options are offered at the clinic: in office whitening completed in a single appointment, and take home trays used over a period of days. Whitening is a cosmetic procedure. It does not treat dental disease or decay, and it does not change the colour of existing restorations such as crowns, veneers, or fillings.

In-office whitening

This procedure is completed in a single visit of around two hours. A professional clean is recommended beforehand. During treatment, the gums are shielded with a protective barrier so the whitening gel does not contact soft tissues.

Risks and considerations:

• Tooth sensitivity is the most common side effect, particularly in people with gum recession, worn enamel, or exposed dentine. Sensitivity may be temporary or longer lasting.
• Some people experience short, sharp sensitivity episodes, sometimes called “zingers,” for up to 24 hours after treatment. Anti inflammatory medication can help manage this.
• Whitening may temporarily highlight natural white spots on the teeth due to enamel dehydration. These usually settle within 24 hours, though experiences vary.
• Gum or soft tissue irritation can occur if the whitening gel makes contact with the gums, lips, or cheeks.
• The degree of whitening differs between individuals, and the final shade may not match expectations exactly.
• Results are not permanent. They depend on diet, oral hygiene, and lifestyle factors, and maintenance or repeat treatment may be required.
• Whitening is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for people with certain dental or medical conditions.
• Some people may react to the whitening gel or other materials used.

Home whitening trays

Take home whitening trays are a professional option for changing tooth colour over a period of days at home. Custom trays are fitted to your teeth and provided with dentist prescribed whitening gel. Because the trays are tailored to the shape of your mouth, the gel is held in closer contact with the teeth, which can help reduce the chance of gum irritation.

Treatment typically takes 10 to 14 days, with results developing over that period. The degree of whitening varies between individuals and depends on factors such as natural tooth colour, enamel thickness, and lifestyle habits.

Risks and considerations:

• Tooth sensitivity is the most common side effect, which may be temporary or longer lasting.
• People with gum recession, enamel wear, or exposed dentine may be at higher risk of sensitivity.
• Gum irritation can occur, particularly if the trays are overfilled with gel or do not fit properly.
• Whitening does not protect against decay or gum disease. Good oral hygiene is essential during and after treatment.
• Results are not permanent, and repeat treatment may be required to maintain the colour.
• The final shade may not match expectations exactly.
• Take home whitening is not suitable for everyone. It is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for people with untreated dental conditions.
• Some people may react to the whitening gel or the tray materials.

Consultation and decision making: Your oral health will be assessed during consultation to determine whether whitening is appropriate for you, and which option suits your circumstances. Instructions will be provided to help reduce risks and support the best possible outcome. Additional costs may apply over time for maintenance or repeat treatment.