Cosmetic Dentistry in Bourne

A smile makeover is a comprehensive, customized treatment plan that combines multiple cosmetic procedures to completely transform your smile. We start by analyzing your facial features, discussing your goals, and identifying all the aspects of your smile you'd like to improve. Your makeover might include professional teeth whitening for brightness, porcelain veneers to reshape and perfect front teeth, composite bonding for minor corrections, gum contouring if your gums show too much, and sometimes clear aligners if teeth need straightening first. The beauty of a smile makeover is that it's planned holistically - we consider how all the treatments work together to create a harmonious, beautiful result that suits your face perfectly.

The choice between veneers and bonding depends on the extent of correction needed, your budget, and desired longevity. Composite bonding is ideal for minor corrections like small chips, slight gaps, or individual discoloured teeth. It can be completed in one visit, costs £150-£300 per tooth, and is completely reversible. Veneers are better for more significant transformations, multiple cosmetic concerns, or when you want the best long-term aesthetics. Veneers cost £650-£950 per tooth but last 10-20 years compared to 5-7 for bonding, resist staining better, and offer superior natural appearance. During your free consultation, we'll examine your teeth and recommend the most appropriate solution for your specific situation.

Modern veneers are designed to be as minimally invasive as possible. Traditional veneers require removing about 0.5mm of enamel from the front of your teeth - to put this in perspective, tooth enamel is typically 2-2.5mm thick, so we're only removing about a quarter of it. This creates a rough surface for the veneer to bond to and makes space so veneers don't look bulky. We also offer minimal-prep and no-prep veneer options in suitable cases. While the preparation is permanent (your teeth will always need covering), it's conservative and doesn't harm the tooth structure. Your teeth remain healthy underneath the veneers.

With proper care, porcelain veneers typically last 10-20 years, and many last even longer. The longevity depends on several factors including the quality of materials used (we use only premium porcelain), your oral hygiene habits, whether you grind your teeth (we provide nightguards if needed), and avoiding habits like biting hard objects or using teeth as tools. Composite bonding generally lasts 5-7 years before needing touch-ups or replacement. We provide detailed care instructions to help you maximize the lifespan of your cosmetic work.

Veneers can create the appearance of straighter teeth and are sometimes called 'instant orthodontics.' They're excellent for correcting minor misalignment, gaps, rotated teeth, or slight crowding. However, for significantly crooked teeth or bite problems, we may recommend clear aligner treatment first. Orthodontics addresses the actual position of teeth and is healthier long-term for severe misalignment. The ideal approach depends on your specific situation - sometimes we combine both, straightening teeth first with aligners then perfecting them with veneers. We'll discuss all options at your consultation.

One of the great things about veneers is that there's minimal downtime. After your veneers are fitted, you can return to normal activities immediately. You may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days, which is normal as your teeth adjust. We recommend eating soft foods for the first 24 hours while the bonding sets completely, then you can return to your normal diet. Most Bourne patients take no time off work and find the whole process much easier than they expected.

Yes! We understand cosmetic dentistry is an investment, which is why we offer flexible payment plans to make treatment accessible. We have interest-free finance options where you can spread the cost over 6-12 months with no interest charged, making treatment affordable with monthly payments from around £99. We also offer longer-term plans if preferred. During your free consultation, we'll discuss all payment options and create a plan that fits your budget comfortably. Many Bourne patients are surprised by how affordable their dream smile can be.

We recommend booking your free smile consultation 2-3 weeks in advance, though we often have earlier appointments available. If you have a specific deadline like a wedding or important event, let us know and we'll prioritize your treatment. For the actual cosmetic work, composite bonding can often be completed in one visit once you're ready to proceed, while veneers typically require 2-3 appointments over 3-4 weeks. Being just 10 miles from Bourne, we're conveniently located for multiple visits. Call us on 01780 754 154 to schedule your consultation.