With a consultation where you say what bothers you rather than what you think you need. We look at the teeth, the gums, and how everything sits together, then set out the options with honest trade-offs, including doing nothing. You leave with a plan and a cost, and no obligation to book anything.

It depends what is causing the colour. Surface staining from food and drink usually responds well. A tooth darkened from the inside after injury or root treatment will not lighten, and existing fillings, crowns and veneers do not change colour at all. We will tell you which applies to you before you spend anything.

Usually not. Plans generally cover treatment that is necessary for health rather than appearance, so whitening and veneers are typically excluded. Some work sits in both categories, such as replacing a failing filling that also happens to be visible, and that may be covered. We check your specific plan and tell you what it says before you commit.

It varies by treatment and by habit. Whitening fades gradually and is topped up. Bonding is the least durable and can chip or stain over the years. Veneers last longest but are the biggest commitment. Grinding shortens the life of all three, which is one reason we ask about it before recommending anything.