Smile goals, mapped to what is clinically possible
Your cosmetic consultation is not a quick chat about whitening alone. We look at tooth shape, colour, spacing, wear, gum levels, bite alignment and how your smile shows when you speak and laugh. If you live or work in Sandton, Bryanston, Rivonia, Morningside, Fourways or Rosebank, you can expect a proper consult that allows time for questions and a clear explanation of what can be done now, what needs preparation and what may be better left alone.
Dr Sibusiso Mthembu and the cosmetic team will ask what bothers you most, whether it is chips, dark fillings, gaps, short teeth, uneven edges or staining that keeps returning. We then compare your goals with the condition of the teeth and gums. Sometimes a small change gives the best result. In other cases a phased plan is safer, especially where there is gum inflammation, heavy grinding or older work that needs replacing first.
- Facial and smile assessment from rest, speaking and full smile views
- Shade discussion using natural tooth ranges, not just a lighter colour sample
- Bite review to check if cosmetic changes will hold up under daily chewing
- Digital records for planning and treatment comparison
Digital previews that show the likely outcome
Digital smile design helps us show a realistic direction before treatment starts. We capture clinical images and digital scans, then map the smile line, tooth proportions and symmetry. This is useful for patients who want veneers, bonding, contouring or whitening, because it gives you a better idea of length, width and shape before any drilling or reshaping is done. The aim is not to promise perfection. It is to show a sensible preview based on your own face and teeth.
Our digital imaging coordinator, Thabo Nkosi, assists with image capture and record keeping so the consultation can move efficiently. In most cases we can discuss the likely cosmetic plan on the same visit. Where more complex changes are needed, such as multiple teeth, old crowns, implant sites or orthodontic alignment, we may recommend a staged approach and a second planning appointment. That gives us time to check the bite and confirm the sequence of care.
- High detail photos and scans for planning and record keeping
- Preview of tooth length, symmetry and midline position
- Discussion of which changes are cosmetic and which are functional
- Options for staged treatment if you prefer to spread care over time
What your cosmetic consultation includes
A cosmetic consult at Techno-Dent Clinic is practical and detailed. Dr Ayesha Khan leads cosmetic planning and will discuss conservative ways to improve your smile first. That may include whitening, edge shaping, composite bonding, replacement of stained fillings, gum-friendly care or a referral into orthodontic assessment if alignment is the main issue. When implants are part of the picture, Dr Pieter van der Merwe can advise on timing so the final smile line and tooth positions work together.
We also consider South African living conditions that affect treatment planning. For example, patients who travel between air-conditioned offices and hot outdoor conditions may notice more staining from coffee and tea, while coastal humidity can affect how often some patients need maintenance attention. If you grind your teeth at night, cosmetic work may need a bite guard and tighter follow-up intervals. The treatment plan is built around your habits, not only the appearance you want on day one.
- Clinical exam of teeth, gums and existing restorations
- Digital preview discussion and treatment options with risks explained
- Cleaning recommendations if plaque or tartar is affecting shade or gum shape
- Written pricing guidance and phased treatment planning where needed
How the process usually runs
Most patients start with a new patient consult or a focused cosmetic visit. After the assessment, we explain which options are suitable and what order they should happen in. Whitening may be done before bonding or veneer planning because it changes the base colour. Orthodontic assessment may come first if tooth position is preventing a balanced result. If you need sedation options for anxiety or a low pain threshold, we can discuss what is suitable for the type of care being planned.
Turnaround depends on the treatment chosen. A simple cosmetic consultation can often be completed in one appointment. Whitening plans may start soon after assessment, while bonding or veneer planning may need a second visit for digital records, shade selection and preparation. If the case needs orthodontic movement first, the cosmetic phase may follow over several months. We keep the sequence clear so you know what happens now, what happens next and when the final review should take place.
- Initial consult and records: same day in most cases
- Digital preview and planning: often within the first visit or shortly after
- Simple cosmetic treatments: may begin within days to weeks
- Complex multi-step plans: staged over weeks or months depending on the case
Pricing approach that stays clear from the start
Cosmetic dentistry can vary widely in cost because no two smiles need the same work. Our pricing approach is based on the complexity of the case, the number of teeth involved, the materials chosen and whether any supporting treatment is needed first. A patient wanting minor shape changes will not be quoted the same way as someone needing whitening, gum care, aligner planning and replacement of several old restorations. We discuss the likely cost range before treatment starts so there are no surprises.
Payment guidance is available for patients who need to phase treatment over time. This is often helpful for families or professionals balancing care with school fees, travel or business expenses. In the Sandton area, many patients prefer to complete the planning first, then space the cosmetic work over more than one visit. That approach can help spread cost while still keeping the final result consistent. If emergency dentistry or preventive care is needed first, we will say so plainly before any cosmetic step is booked.
- Fees depend on the number of teeth, materials and preparation needed
- Phased plans can be arranged where treatment is done in stages
- Supportive work such as cleaning or gum care may affect the final quote
- Payment guidance is available before treatment begins
Maintaining your result after treatment
Cosmetic work needs maintenance if you want it to stay clean and stable. Whitening may need periodic refreshers, especially if you drink tea, coffee or red wine regularly. Bonding can chip if teeth are under heavy bite stress, and veneers or crowns need careful home care plus routine checks. We usually recommend maintenance intervals based on your bite, hygiene and risk of staining. For some patients that means a review every six months, while others with grinding or older restorations may need earlier follow-up.
Aftercare follow-ups are important because small issues are easier to fix early. We check colour match, gum health, edge wear and comfort. If you have orthodontic work before cosmetic treatment, we also confirm that the final spacing and contact points are stable. Our team in Sandton, including Dr Nandi Dlamini for orthodontic questions and Lerato Moloi for practice coordination, helps keep the process organised from planning through to review. Good cosmetic work should look natural and feel normal in everyday life, not just on the day it is done.
- Routine review every 6 months for many patients
- Earlier checks if you grind, stain easily or have gum sensitivity
- Night guard advice if bite pressure threatens the result
- Aftercare instructions tailored to the treatment you received
Key facts
| Consultation focus | Smile goals, tooth shape, shade, bite and gum health |
|---|---|
| Digital tools | Clinical photos, scans and smile previews |
| Typical timing | Single visit consult, with staged treatment if needed |
| Planning team | Cosmetic, implant and orthodontic input available |
| Pricing method | Quoted according to complexity, materials and number of teeth |
| Maintenance intervals | Often 6 months, sooner if grinding or staining is an issue |
