Cosmetic Dentistry
Naturally beautiful smile built on lasting health
Cosmetic Dentistry
Naturally beautiful smile built on lasting health
Tailored cosmetic dentistry that honours the real you
At Alma Dental Surgery, we believe cosmetic dentistry should do more than just improve your teeth—it should bring out your own authentic natural beauty.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s your smile—carefully considered, expertly tailored, and designed to work in harmony with your facial features. We help you design a smile that’s in harmony with your facial features—an authentic expression of your personality, in a way that feels true to you. From subtle enhancements to full smile transformations, we provide personalised, health-first care—helping you feel truly confident every time you smile.
Cosmetic dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is all about enhancing the look and feel of your smile. For us, that means refining the shape, colour, and overall harmony of your teeth and gums—always with your oral health as our first priority. From subtle touch-ups to more noticeable changes, every treatment is thoughtfully designed to complement your features and help you feel like the most confident version of yourself.
What can cosmetic dentistry improve?
Cosmetic treatments can address a wide range of concerns, which is why we take the time to understand what truly matters to you. By focusing on what feels right—not just what’s possible—we offer care that’s both considered and personalised.
With your concerns as the starting point, we can improve issues including:
- The size and shape of your teeth
- Tooth colour and surface enamel characteristics
- Gaps between teeth or missing teeth
- Crooked, crowded, or overlapping teeth
- Excess gum visibility when smiling (“gummy smile”)
- Old or noticeable silver/metal fillings
- Uneven, chipped, or worn tooth edges
- Stains, discolouration, or fluorosis (white/brown spots on enamel)
Our approach to cosmetic dentistry
The most beautiful smiles are built on a healthy foundation. Strong, decay-free teeth, healthy gums, and fresh breath come first—because long-lasting results start with good oral health. Once that foundation is in place, attention turns to aesthetics. A truly confident smile doesn’t come from teeth alone; it’s shaped by the way your lips, gums, and facial features work together. Your whole face influences how your smile is perceived, so we take a holistic approach and refine each detail to suit your natural balance and unique character.
Crafting a truly beautiful smile goes beyond technical expertise—it requires thoughtful planning, artistic insight, and a deep understanding of facial balance. Our goal is to ensure every element of your smile works in harmony with your natural features, creating a confident, radiant result that looks and feels unmistakably you.
Cosmetic treatments we may recommend
Depending on your needs and goals, we may suggest one or a combination of the following treatments:
Teeth whitening – Brightens your smile by removing stains and discolouration.
Dental bonding – Uses tooth-coloured resin to repair chips, close small gaps, or reshape teeth.
Veneers – Thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surface of teeth to improve shape, colour, and alignment.
Dental implants – Replace missing teeth with natural-looking, permanent solutions.
Orthodontic treatments – Align teeth using clear aligners or braces for improved aesthetics and function.
Enameloplasty (tooth recontouring) – Gently reshapes enamel to create a more balanced smile.
Tooth-coloured fillings – Restore decayed teeth with fillings that blend in seamlessly.
Gum lifts (gingivectomy) – Reshape the gum line to reduce a “gummy” smile or improve symmetry.
Inlays and onlays – Custom restorations used for larger cavities or damaged teeth, offering both strength and beauty.
Crowns – Full-coverage restorations that protect and improve the appearance of damaged teeth.
Bridges – Replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to surrounding teeth.
Lip enhancement procedures – Optional treatments to subtly enhance lip volume and support a balanced smile.
Smile makeover
Sometimes, creating your ideal smile involves more than just one treatment. A smile makeover brings together carefully selected cosmetic procedures, such as whitening, veneers, orthodontics, or bonding, to achieve a complete, harmonious transformation tailored to your goals and facial features.
Not every cosmetic procedure is complex
You might think cosmetic dentistry means long treatment plans and high costs. Here’s a nice surprise to brighten your day—many effective treatments are genuinely affordable and surprisingly straightforward, especially at Alma Dental Surgery. Cosmetic treatments can be surprisingly straightforward—quick, affordable, and often completed in a single visit with minimal fuss and immediate results.
For example:
- Replacing an old, visible silver amalgam filling with a natural-looking tooth-coloured alternative can often be done in just one appointment.
- Teeth whitening, bonding, and enamel recontouring (enameloplasty) are straightforward procedures that can create a noticeable improvement in your smile—sometimes in under an hour.
From a small refresh to a full smile transformation, we’ll recommend options that suit your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
Subtle enhancements, not over-the-top changes
We will not transform you into a cosmetic cliché.
The media loves a headline-grabbing makeover—blindingly white, oversized, and unnaturally uniform. These extreme transformations might work under studio lights, but in everyday life, they often look artificial and overdone. Most people aren’t chasing that. And neither are we.
At Alma Dental Surgery, we take a natural approach.
Dr Dee-Anna Luong and Dr Kate Alderman bring together clinical precision and artistic judgment to deliver results that are subtle, refined, and grounded in facial harmony—not flashy smiles that dominate your look. Every enhancement is carefully designed to complement your unique features, not overwrite them.
With advanced training in aesthetic dentistry and a deep respect for individuality, they create changes that feel balanced, personal, and above all—authentic.
Your most beautiful smile still looks like you. Just more confident. More radiant. More you.
Ready to start your smile journey?
Subtle adjustments or a complete smile makeover—whatever your goal, and whatever you want your smile to express, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Book a consultation with Dr Dee or Dr Kate to explore what’s possible.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
What’s the difference between general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry?
General dentistry focuses on keeping your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy. Through regular check-ups, professional cleans, and restorative care when needed, we help prevent and manage issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and infection—protecting both the comfort and long-term function of your smile. If any concerns arise, including dental emergencies, we provide the appropriate preventive, restorative, or urgent care as part of your ongoing dental health plan.
Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, places an emphasis on improving the appearance of your smile—refining the colour, shape, and alignment of your teeth to help you feel more confident. You might be dealing with discoloured, chipped, uneven, or misshapen teeth—or perhaps a visible gap or a gummy smile. These concerns aren’t medical problems, but they can affect how you feel about your smile.
Treatments designed to address these aesthetic issues fall under cosmetic dentistry and are usually elective. While some options may also support your oral health, others are purely about appearance—and that’s valid too. At Alma, we believe in thoughtful enhancements that respect your health, complement your natural features, and help you feel more like yourself—with full confidence, vitality, and lasting wellbeing.
General dentistry keeps things healthy. Cosmetic dentistry helps you love what you see.
Is cosmetic dentistry all about teeth?
Not at all! While your teeth play a central role in your smile, true cosmetic dentistry takes a more holistic view. It also considers the appearance of your gums, the shape and movement of your lips, and how your smile harmonises with the rest of your facial features. A beautiful smile is one that feels balanced, natural, and uniquely yours.
Do only younger people go for cosmetic dentistry?
This is another no. Teeth naturally change over time. Enamel wears down, especially with age or regular exposure to acidic foods and drinks. As it thins, the yellow dentine underneath becomes more visible, making teeth appear darker. Grinding, staining, and chipping can also cause teeth to look worn or older than the rest of your face.
Cosmetic dentistry can help reverse these signs of ageing, no matter your age. It’s never too late to improve your smile.
Is cosmetic dentistry only for women?
Definitely not. At Alma Dental Surgery, we see people of all genders benefiting from cosmetic dental care. A healthy, attractive smile can boost confidence and enhance your overall appearance, regardless of gender. Our approach is always personalised to suit your preferences and facial features.
Who can have cosmetic dental treatments?
Most people are suitable candidates for cosmetic dental treatments. However, to ensure the best possible results, the ideal candidates are those who:
- Have healthy teeth and gums
- Are in good general health
- Avoid habits that can damage teeth or affect appearance, especially smoking cigarettes
- Understand the nature of the procedure, including its benefits and limitations
- Have realistic expectations about the outcomes; if we believe a treatment may not meet your expectations, we’ll discuss why and suggest alternatives
- Are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene and protecting their new smile
Cosmetic treatments are typically recommended for adults. We don’t perform irreversible procedures on patients under 18.
Are cosmetic dental treatments permanent?
Most cosmetic treatments are long-lasting, but not necessarily permanent. Over time, treatments like veneers, tooth-coloured fillings, and whitening may require touch-ups or replacement, especially depending on daily wear, oral habits, and how well they are maintained.
Will my cosmetic dental treatment hurt?
Most cosmetic procedures are minimally invasive and involve little to no discomfort. We take every step to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the process and will clearly explain what to expect before, during, and after your treatment.
How do I maintain the results of cosmetic dental treatments?
To keep your smile looking its best, a consistent home care routine is essential. This includes thorough brushing and flossing to maintain the health of your teeth, gums, and any restorations.
We’ll also advise you to avoid habits that can harm your dental work, such as smoking or using your teeth as tools. In some cases, we may recommend extra protection, like an occlusal splint (night guard) if you grind your teeth, or a sports mouthguard if you’re active in contact sports.
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleans are also key to preserving your results and spotting any issues early.
What should I expect during my treatment?
Cosmetic dental treatments are elective, often noticeable, and may involve irreversible changes. That’s why we make sure you’re fully informed before proceeding.
We’ll walk you through:
- What the procedure involves
- The expected timeline for your treatment
- The potential risks or limitations
- What to expect after treatment, including downtime and longevity of results
- A clear breakdown of costs
You’ll have plenty of time to consider your options, ask questions, and make a decision you feel confident about. We’ll never pressure you into a treatment you don’t want or need—our role is to guide, not to persuade.
Is cosmetic dentistry right for me?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to your smile. Every person has a unique dental history, aesthetic goals, and personal preferences. That’s why we take the time to understand what matters to you—before recommending any treatment.
To explore the best cosmetic options for your smile, we invite you to book a consultation with one of our experienced dentists. It’s a conversation, not a commitment—and it starts with what feels right for you.
We’d be so happy to help! Give us a call on (08) 9440 4455 and let’s chat.