Cosmetic dentistry encompasses procedures that are designed to improve the appearance of the teeth and associated tissues.

This can be as simple as whitening the teeth using bleach gels, or more complicated procedures using veneers or crowns to provide an improved aesthetic appearance.

Simple bleaching can be used where there is little or no damage to the teeth, and will lighten the shade.

When changes of shape and angulation of the teeth is required, then veneers can provide the answer. These are porcelain facings that can be bonded to the teeth, with little or sometimes no preparation.

If there is more damage to the teeth, then porcelain or zirconia crowns may provide a better solution.

Missing teeth can be restored with bridges or implant supported crowns.

Whitening of teeth involves the use of bleaches to remove the stains which can accumulate over time.

The discolouration can be reversed using bleach gels in custom made close fitting trays, over either five nights or five three hour sessions.

There is sometimes a little sensitivity of the teeth whilst in treatment, this is only a temporary effect, and there is no harm to any of the tissues.

A single treatment will have an effect for a number of years, and can be "topped up" as required, re-using the original trays.

Veneers are thin porcelain facings, made to improve the colour, shape, or angulation of the teeth. They are bonded onto the existing teeth with resin.

The amount of preparation to the tooth to be veneered depends on the initial aesthetic problem, but is often very minimal.