The five most popular cosmetic dental procedures in the UK are teeth whitening, orthodontics (braces and aligners), porcelain veneers, composite bonding and air polishing. These treatments address the concerns patients most commonly bring to cosmetic dentists — discolouration, crooked teeth, gaps, chips and surface stains.
At Pure Smiles in Fulham, we offer all five of these treatments. Below, we explain what each procedure involves, who it is best suited for and what results you can expect.
Teeth whitening is the most requested cosmetic dental treatment in the UK. It removes stains accumulated from food, drink, smoking and natural ageing, restoring a brighter, more youthful appearance.
At Pure Smiles, we use Enlighten Evolution whitening — a system that guarantees a Vita shade B1 result (the lightest natural shade). The process involves:
1. Custom trays are made from impressions of your teeth for a precise fit
2. You wear the trays at home with professional-grade whitening gel for two to three weeks
3. A final in-practice session completes the treatment
Professional whitening is not the same as shop-bought kits. It is a clinically supervised treatment using stronger, more effective formulas that are unavailable for commercial sale. You can also select your desired shade for a personalised result. learn more
Straightening teeth with braces or clear aligners corrects gaps, overcrowding, overbites and underbites. Modern orthodontic options have expanded well beyond traditional metal braces.
| Option | Visibility | Best For | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invisalign clear aligners | Nearly invisible | Mild to moderate misalignment | 6-18 months |
| Fixed ceramic braces | Tooth-coloured brackets | Moderate to severe cases | 12-24 months |
| Traditional metal braces | Visible silver brackets | Complex or severe misalignment | 12-30 months |
| Lingual braces | Hidden behind teeth | Patients wanting zero visibility | 12-24 months |
Many adult patients at our Fulham practice choose Invisalign for its discretion and the ability to remove aligners for eating and cleaning. If your misalignment is more severe, fixed braces may be recommended for a more predictable outcome. learn more
Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells bonded to the front surface of teeth. They transform the appearance of your smile by concealing chips, cracks, gaps, heavy staining and mildly misaligned teeth — often in just two appointments.
Porcelain is the material of choice because it closely mimics the translucency and light-reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel. When expertly crafted, porcelain veneers are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth and can last 10 to 15 years with proper care.
A word of caution: travelling abroad for cheaper veneers carries real risks. A less experienced practitioner may over-prepare teeth or use lower-quality materials. At Pure Smiles, Dr Ayzaaz Akram (BDS Liverpool 1995, GDC 70996) takes a conservative approach, preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible while delivering outstanding cosmetic results. learn more
Composite bonding uses tooth-coloured resin to repair chips, cracks, gaps and minor imperfections. It is one of the most versatile and affordable cosmetic treatments available.
| Factor | Composite Bonding | Porcelain Veneers |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Tooth-coloured composite resin | Porcelain ceramic |
| Appointments needed | Usually one (same-day) | Two (preparation + fitting) |
| Tooth preparation | Minimal to none | Thin layer of enamel removed |
| Lifespan | 5-7 years | 10-15 years |
| Stain resistance | Moderate — may discolour over time | Excellent — highly stain-resistant |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Small chips, gaps, minor reshaping | Full smile makeovers, heavy staining |
Composite bonding is ideal for patients who want a noticeable improvement without the commitment of veneers. It can also be used as a tooth-coloured alternative to metal fillings, reducing the visibility of dental work while protecting against further decay. learn more
Air polishing is a professional cleaning treatment performed by a dental hygienist. It uses a combination of air, water and a fine powder to remove surface stains, plaque and tartar from teeth.
Air polishing is not technically a whitening treatment. It is a deep clean that removes extrinsic stains — the discolouration caused by tea, coffee, red wine and smoking — revealing the natural colour of your teeth underneath. Many patients find their teeth look noticeably brighter after an air polishing session.
This treatment is quick, comfortable and affordable. Combined with regular hygiene appointments, air polishing keeps your teeth looking their best between whitening treatments. learn more
The best cosmetic dental treatment depends on your specific concerns, budget and timeline. At Pure Smiles in Fulham, we offer a cosmetic consultation where Dr Akram assesses your teeth, discusses your goals and recommends the most suitable options.
Book a consultation at either of our SW6 practices — 257 New Kings Road, SW6 4RB or 750a Fulham Road, SW6 5SH — by calling 020 7736 6276. learn more
Professional teeth whitening results typically last one to three years depending on your diet, lifestyle and oral hygiene habits. Avoiding heavy staining from coffee, red wine and smoking helps maintain results longer. Top-up treatments using your custom trays can extend the effect.
Porcelain veneers are a long-term investment in your smile. They last 10 to 15 years with proper care and provide a dramatic cosmetic improvement. For patients with multiple cosmetic concerns — staining, chips, gaps and mild misalignment — veneers can address all of these in a single treatment.
Yes, composite bonding is an effective and minimally invasive way to close small gaps between teeth. The composite resin is shaped directly onto the tooth surface to build out the sides and reduce or eliminate the gap. Results are immediate and the treatment is completed in a single appointment at Pure Smiles.
