Cosmetic dentistry does not turn your smile into someone else's. It corrects what bothers you, in a way that still looks like you.
Teeth whitening
Whitening takes one appointment of about an hour and lightens the teeth by several shades. We work chemically only, at a low concentration, without damaging the enamel, and temporary sensitivity on the first day is possible and normal. The result usually holds for one to two years, and exactly how long depends mostly on coffee, black tea, red wine and cigarettes. In the first few days after treatment teeth pick up colour more easily, so we suggest avoiding strongly staining food and drink for a short while. If your teeth are already sensitive, we apply fluoride first and only whiten afterwards.
Ceramic veneers
Veneers are thin ceramic shells bonded to the front of the teeth. They solve what whitening cannot: shape, position, gaps between teeth and permanently changed colour. Before we do anything, we agree on how the result should look, because veneers are a decision that stays with you and we take time over the planning. How many teeth it makes sense to treat, and whether veneers are the right approach for you at all, is something we settle at the examination.
Aesthetic bonding
A chipped or worn tooth can be rebuilt with the same material used for fillings. This usually takes a single appointment and does not require preparing healthy tooth structure. For smaller corrections to the front teeth it is often the simplest option.
What is realistic to expect
Teeth cannot and should not be paper white, because that looks artificial. The aim is a shade that suits your face and your age. Worth knowing: fillings, crowns and veneers do not change colour during whitening, so if you have such work in the visible area we discuss the order of treatment beforehand and the colours match in the end. At the first examination we tell you what is possible in your case and what is not, because an honest no beforehand is better than a disappointing result afterwards.
Before cosmetic work begins
Appearance comes after health. Before we whiten or plan veneers, the mouth has to be in order: decay treated, gums free of inflammation, tartar removed. No cosmetic result holds up on inflamed gums and untreated teeth. For that reason we often start with a professional cleaning, and it is not unusual for it to turn out that the discolouration was mostly external and the teeth already look noticeably lighter afterwards.
How a cosmetic appointment works
It starts with a conversation: what exactly bothers you, since when, and what would you like to change. Then we examine you and set out the options, how many appointments each one takes and what each requires beforehand. You decide in your own time afterwards, because with cosmetic work there is no reason to rush.
Frequently asked questions
How long does whitening take and how long does it last?
The treatment takes about an hour in a single appointment. The result usually holds for one to two years, less with heavy coffee, tea or cigarette use. A top-up is possible later.
Does whitening damage the enamel?
We work at a low concentration and chemically only, without removing tooth structure. Temporary sensitivity in the first day or two does occur and settles down again.
What if my teeth are sensitive?
Then we apply fluoride first and whiten afterwards. Please tell us about the sensitivity in advance, as we adjust the approach accordingly, and in some cases we will advise against whitening.
What is the difference between veneers and crowns?
A veneer covers only the front surface of the tooth and is used for shape and colour. A crown surrounds the whole tooth and is used when the tooth is badly damaged or root-treated. Which one fits depends on how much tooth structure is left.
Can teeth with fillings and crowns be whitened?
Natural teeth lighten; fillings and crowns keep their colour. Visible fillings may need replacing afterwards so that they match again. We talk this through before we begin.
Can I eat and drink normally after whitening?
In the first few days teeth take up staining more easily. We recommend avoiding coffee, black tea, red wine and smoking during that time. You get detailed aftercare instructions at the appointment.
What will it cost in your case?
It depends on the condition of your teeth and what needs to be done. Send us a message — a photo helps — and we'll tell you what we suggest and how long it takes.