Cosmetic dentistry changes how teeth look, but the best results start with healthy teeth and gums and a clear plan. This guide sets out the main options, what they cost at Dental & Wellness London, how long they take, and what happens at a first consultation, so you can arrive with better questions. Written by Dr Vishal Patel, BDS, MSc Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry, GDC 103127.
Whitening, bonding and veneers all depend on healthy foundations. Untreated decay or gum inflammation can shorten the life of cosmetic work, so your first visit is a dental examination (£65, 30 minutes) that checks teeth, gums and bite. Whitening in particular should only be carried out on a fit, clean and healthy mouth. Invisalign consultations are free and include a 3D scan.
| Teeth whitening: lightens natural tooth colour; no change to shape. Take-home trays over about two weeks, or combined with in-chair whitening. | £450 take-home · £780 combined |
| Composite bonding: tooth-coloured material added to chips, small gaps and uneven edges, usually in one visit with no drilling of healthy tooth. Typically lasts five to seven years before refinement. | £175 simple · £350 complex, per tooth |
| Porcelain veneers: thin ceramic facings that change colour and shape together. Some tooth preparation is usually needed, so they are a long-term commitment. | £750–£1,050 per tooth |
| Emax veneers: stronger, translucent ceramic for front teeth that take more load. | £1,050–£1,500 per tooth |
| Invisalign clear aligners: moves teeth into a better position, often reducing how much bonding or veneer work is needed afterwards. | £2,200 · £3,400 · £4,500–£4,900 |
| Dental implants: replaces a missing tooth with a fixed tooth, planned and placed by Dr Rishil Patel (MClinDent Implantology). | from £2,200 including the crown |
A common sequence is health first, then straightening, then whitening, then bonding or veneers. Straightening first can mean less tooth needs to be built up or prepared. Whitening comes before bonding and veneers because composite and porcelain do not whiten, so their shade is matched to your teeth after whitening. Not everyone needs every step; many people need only one.
| Composite bonding | Usually one appointment |
| Take-home whitening | About two weeks, after an examination |
| Porcelain veneers | Several appointments over a few weeks, including a preview stage |
| Invisalign | Months rather than weeks; your ClinCheck plan shows the expected length |
| Dental implants | Typically three to six months from placement to the final crown |
We ask what you would like to change and why, check your teeth, gums and bite, and take photographs and, where needed, a 3D scan. You hear every suitable option, including the simplest, with its cost and how long it is likely to last. You leave with a written plan and price, and there is no obligation to go ahead.
| Is this reversible, and how much natural tooth will be removed? | Bonding and whitening remove no tooth; veneers and crowns usually do. |
| How long will it last, and what will maintenance cost? | Ask for realistic ranges, not best cases. |
| Would straightening first reduce the work needed? | Often yes, especially for crowded or rotated teeth. |
| Can I see a preview before committing? | Digital scans and mock-ups help you judge the result first. |
Larger plans can be spread at 0% APR over 12 months via Tabeo, subject to status. See monthly figures on our finance page and every fee on our prices page.
Ready to talk it through? Book a dental examination, a free Invisalign consultation, or ask us to call you back. Reviewed by Dr Vishal Patel, GDC 103127, October 2026.