While there has always been a market for cosmetic dentistry. smile makeover dentist There has been a recent surge in the number of dental practices offering ‘quick’ smile makeovers. A recent article in The Dentist reports that since 2009, cosmetic dentistry has grown by 34%. While it is understandable that people living busy lifestyles may find a quick and convenient solution appealing. We in the dental team know all too well that quick does not always mean safe smile makeover dentist.

What is cosmetic dentistry?


Simply put, cosmetic dentistry is dental treatment that is designed to improve. The appearance of a patient’s teeth, not for the purpose of treatment. Treatments include orthodontic work such as ‘Invisalign’ (invisible braces to straighten teeth), crowns, veneers and teeth whitening with bleaching

These treatments are always offered privately and can be very expensive

Often thousands of pounds. However, these cosmetic procedures are not without risk. For example, preparing a tooth for a veneer involves removing. The enamel from the tooth to make room for the veneer. It is common for teeth to be ‘over-treated’ (too much enamel removed), which causes micro cracks in the enamel. This can lead to nerve damage and ‘pulp death’. If the pulp dies, further intervention in the form of root canal treatment is needed to prevent tooth loss. Which is only a temporary solution – the life of a tooth with a root filling is limited. Once a tooth is lost, it must be replaced. With a prosthesis or implant (the latter is more permanent but can also cost up to £3000).

Far from improving the cosmetic appearance of the patient’s teeth

cosmetic treatment can cause unnecessary damage to perfectly healthy teeth. This can mean additional treatment, higher costs and a final result that may not meet the patient’s initial aesthetic requirements. Our experience
In tandem with the growth of cosmetic dentistry. The dental team has seen a steady increase in the number of lawsuits filed against dentists. Who have failed to prioritize the health of patients. Teeth over costly treatment plans designed to give patients a “Hollywood smile”. I have heard from many of my clients that the risks of cosmetic treatment have not been properly discussed. With them and that they feel let down. Because their teeth are now in a worse state than when they started smile makeover dentist


One of my clients paid around £7000 for several crowns and veneers to improve the aesthetic appearance of her smile. She later discovered that a large part of her (previously healthy). Teeth were now damaged and needed to be filled or removed and replaced with implants. The estimated cost of the corrective treatment by a cosmetic dentist was almost double the initial treatment.


Smile makeovers are understandably appealing to patients. However, I believe that many dentists fail in their duty to inform patients of the risks of these procedures. Fail to properly assess patients’ suitability for treatment and take unnecessary risks with patients’ dental health. In my opinion, more needs to be done to ensure that dental health remains a priority, rather than aesthetic appearance.


Summary from


If you are concerned that you may have been treated negligently during cosmetic dental treatment. Please contact a member of the dental negligence team who can advise. You on your particular circumstances and whether you have a basis for a claim for compensation.sensitive teeth treatment