Cosmetic Dentistry in Ashburton

Our approach

Cosmetic dentistry gets oversold. Some treatments are genuinely conservative and reversible; others permanently alter healthy tooth structure. We think you deserve to know which is which before you choose.

That’s why every cosmetic consultation starts with what’s bothering you, not with a menu of procedures. Sometimes the answer is simpler and cheaper than people expect — whitening rather than veneers, or reshaping rather than crowns.

Treatment options

Is cosmetic treatment right for you?

Common reasons people ask about cosmetic work include:

• teeth that look yellow, grey or patchy
• a chipped, worn or uneven front tooth
• small gaps between teeth
• old fillings or crowns that no longer match

Healthy teeth and gums come first. If there is decay or gum disease, we treat that before cosmetic work, because it affects how long the result lasts. A check-up and clean is often the right first step.

What happens at a cosmetic consultation

• We ask what you would like to change and why.
• Your dentist checks your teeth, gums and bite, and takes photos.
• We go through the options, starting with the simplest.
• You get a written estimate and time to think it over.

Combining treatments in the right order

Many smiles improve with two or three small changes rather than one large one. The order matters:

• Straighten first. Invisalign may move crooked teeth into place so less tooth needs changing later.
• Whiten next. Whitening sets the shade. Fillings, bonding and porcelain do not change colour, so we match them to your whitened teeth.
• Then repair or reshape. Bonding, contouring or veneers come last.

If a tooth is badly broken or heavily filled, a crown may protect it better.

Looking after your result

Whitening can fade with tea, coffee and red wine. Bonding can stain or chip and may need polishing. Porcelain resists staining but can break if you grind, so we may suggest a night splint.

Cost and health funds

We are a Bupa Members First Platinum, HCF More for Teeth and nib First Choice preferred provider. We accept all health funds, including Medibank, ahm, CBHS and Australian Unity, claimed on the spot with HICAPS.

Common questions

Can I fix just one tooth?

Often, yes. A single chipped or dark tooth can sometimes be improved with bonding or one veneer. The challenge is matching shade and shape to the teeth next to it. We will show you what is realistic and whether whitening first would help.

Will my health fund cover cosmetic treatment?

Treatment done mainly for appearance is often not covered by extras policies, or only partly. Some items, such as crowns, may attract a rebate depending on your policy. We can give you the item numbers so you can check first.

How long do cosmetic results last?

It varies with the treatment and your habits. Whitening may need a touch-up after a while. Bonding usually lasts several years before it needs repair. Porcelain veneers often last longer. Good home care and regular check-ups help.

Is cosmetic treatment uncomfortable?

Whitening and bonding usually need no numbing. Veneers and crowns are done with local anaesthetic. Some people have short-term sensitivity afterwards. If you feel anxious, tell us and we can talk about ways to make the visit easier.