How can I improve my smile? 5 cosmetic dentistry options explained

If there are things you would like to change about your smile, it's easy to assume that you need a complete "smile makeover".

In reality, you may have several options – and sometimes a relatively small change can make the difference you're looking for.

At Improve Your Smile @ Woodford House Dental Practice, our approach to cosmetic dentistry starts with understanding what you would like to change, before discussing which treatments may be suitable.

Here are five possibilities you might discuss with a cosmetic dentist in Woodford Green.

1. Professional teeth whitening

If you're generally happy with the shape and position of your teeth but would like them to look brighter, professional whitening may be a good place to start.

Teeth naturally change colour over time, while foods, drinks and lifestyle factors can also contribute to staining.

Professional whitening is designed to lighten the natural tooth structure under dental supervision.

One important thing to remember is that existing restorations such as crowns, veneers and composite fillings won't whiten in the same way as natural teeth. This is why it's useful to discuss your overall plans with your dentist before beginning treatment.

Improve Your Smile @ Woodford House Dental Practice offer a complimentary initial consultation for teeth whitening, so you can discuss suitability and the result you are hoping to achieve before going ahead.

2. Composite bonding

Composite bonding can be an option when you would like to make relatively small changes to the shape or appearance of your teeth.

A tooth-coloured composite material is applied directly to the tooth and carefully shaped and polished.

Depending on your individual teeth, bonding may be considered for concerns including:

• Small chips

• Minor gaps

• Uneven edges

• Tooth shape

• Certain areas of discolouration

It can be a particularly appealing option for patients looking for a conservative cosmetic treatment.

If you're deciding between bonding and porcelain restorations, we've also written a guide to composite bonding versus veneers, which explains some of the important differences.

3. Porcelain veneers

Veneers are thin restorations fitted to the front surface of teeth to change their appearance.

They may be considered when you want to alter the colour, shape, size or proportions of one or more teeth.

Veneers are different from composite bonding because they are custom-made restorations, and some preparation of the natural tooth may be required.

They aren't automatically the "better" option – or the right choice for everybody. The most appropriate treatment depends on the condition of your teeth and what you are trying to achieve.

You can see examples of different types of cosmetic and restorative treatment in our Smile Gallery.

4. Teeth straightening

Sometimes the biggest difference to a smile comes from changing the position of the teeth, rather than covering or reshaping them.

Adult orthodontic treatment can be used to address concerns including crowding, spacing and alignment.

Improve Your Smile @ Woodford House Dental Practice provide different teeth straightening and dental brace options, allowing treatment to be planned around your particular orthodontic needs rather than assuming one system is right for everyone.

A complimentary initial teeth-straightening consultation is available if you would simply like to understand your options.

5. Restoring worn, broken or damaged teeth

Not everything that improves the appearance of your smile is purely cosmetic.

If teeth are worn, heavily filled, cracked or damaged, improving their health and function may also make a considerable difference aesthetically.

Restorative dentistry can include treatments designed to rebuild and protect teeth. Depending on your circumstances, this might involve fillings, crowns or other restorations.

This is why a smile assessment should consider the health of your teeth and gums as well as their appearance.

Do I need more than one cosmetic dental treatment?

Sometimes.

A patient might benefit from whitening before composite bonding, for example, while someone considering significant changes to the shape and alignment of their teeth may want to explore orthodontics before restorative treatment.

Combining treatments doesn't necessarily mean doing more dentistry. Careful planning can help establish the most appropriate sequence and avoid unnecessary treatment.

How do I decide what's right for my smile?

Try not to diagnose your own smile from photographs on social media.

Bring examples of what you like if they're helpful, but remember that your teeth, gums, bite and facial proportions are individual to you.

A cosmetic consultation allows us to examine your teeth, understand your priorities and talk through suitable options, including the advantages, limitations and costs.

You can also look through our before-and-after Smile Gallery to see examples of treatments carried out for other patients.

Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest way to improve my smile?

It depends on what bothers you about your smile. If tooth colour is your main concern, whitening may be enough. Chips or minor shape concerns may sometimes be improved with bonding, while alignment concerns may be better addressed orthodontically.

Do I need veneers for a smile makeover?

No. A smile makeover isn't one particular treatment. Whitening, composite bonding, orthodontics, veneers and restorative dentistry can all play a role depending on the individual patient.

Can I straighten my teeth as an adult?

Yes. Orthodontic treatment isn't limited to children and teenagers. There are several teeth-straightening options for adults, although suitability depends on your individual orthodontic needs.

Should I whiten my teeth before composite bonding?

It may be advisable if you are planning both treatments because composite resin won't subsequently whiten like natural enamel. Your dentist can recommend the most appropriate order.

How much does cosmetic dentistry cost?

This depends entirely on the treatment and number of teeth involved. You can view current prices on our dental fees page, and complimentary initial consultations are available for cosmetic dentistry.

Looking for a cosmetic dentist in Woodford Green?

If you'd like to improve something about your smile but aren't sure which treatment you need, you don't have to decide before you come and see us.

Improve Your Smile @ Woodford House Dental Practice offer a complimentary initial consultation for cosmetic dentistry, giving you the opportunity to talk through your concerns and explore the possibilities.

Contact Improve Your Smile @ Woodford House Dental Practice to arrange your consultation.