A smile makeover is not a single procedure but a personalised plan that may combine whitening, bonding, veneers, orthodontics and other treatments to improve how your teeth look together. Because the plan is tailored to you, the timeline varies — but most makeovers run from a few weeks to several months. At Pear Tree Dental in Nottingham, a smile makeover starts from £2,500, depending on the treatments involved. This guide walks through the typical stages so you know what to expect, and roughly when, from your first consultation to the final result.
Stage 1: Consultation and assessment
Everything starts with a consultation. Your dentist examines your teeth, gums and bite, takes photographs and scans or impressions, and talks through what you want to change. This is also when the health of your mouth is checked, because any decay or gum problems usually need to be treated before cosmetic work begins. Expect this stage to take one appointment, with time afterwards to plan.
At Pear Tree, smile design and complex cosmetic planning is led by our principal dentists. Dr Javaad Mirza (MD, BDS, GDC 290378) has a special interest in cosmetic dentistry, including implants, veneers and orthodontics, and will talk you through what is realistic for your teeth at your consultation.
Stage 2: Planning and design
Next, your dentist designs the makeover. This can include a digital preview or a wax mock-up that shows the proposed shape and position of your teeth, so you can see and agree the result before any treatment starts. You will receive a written treatment plan setting out each step, the materials, the timeline and the cost. Take your time here — agreeing the design carefully is what makes the final reveal predictable.
Stage 3: Preparatory treatment
If your mouth needs any groundwork, it happens now. This might include a scale and polish, treating decay, or addressing gum health so the foundation is sound. Some makeovers also start with orthodontics — for example clear aligners to straighten teeth before veneers or bonding — which can add several months but often reduces how much cosmetic work is needed.
Stage 4: Whitening (if included)
Whitening, where it is part of the plan, is usually done before bonding or veneers. That is because whitening only changes natural enamel, so the shade is set first and any restorations are then matched to it. Home whitening typically takes two to four weeks; in-practice whitening is faster. At Pear Tree, whitening starts from £350, with premium Enlighten whitening at £650.
Stage 5: Cosmetic treatment
This is the main event — the bonding (from £150 per tooth), veneers (composite from £300 per tooth, porcelain from £750 per tooth) or other restorations that reshape and refine your smile. Composite bonding can often be completed in a single visit, while porcelain veneers usually need two appointments a couple of weeks apart while the laboratory makes them. Dr Imrana Ishaque (BDS, MFDS) and our wider team will confirm exactly how many visits your plan involves.
Stage 6: The reveal and review
Once the final restorations are fitted, you see the completed result. A good clinician will check the bite, make any small adjustments and book a review to make sure everything feels comfortable and looks right. After that, ongoing care — good oral hygiene and regular check-ups — keeps your new smile looking its best.
How long does a smile makeover take overall?
Whitening and bonding only: often a few weeks.
Whitening and porcelain veneers: typically four to eight weeks.
Makeovers that include orthodontics: usually several months, sometimes longer.
Where alignment is part of the plan, clear aligners such as Invisalign (from £2,800) are often used first. Your own timeline depends on the treatments chosen and the health of your mouth at the start. The clearest answer comes from a consultation, where your dentist can map the stages to your case.
Spreading the cost with membership
If you are a regular patient, it is worth knowing that Pear Tree membership plans start from £10.95 a month and include your routine check-ups and hygiene visits, plus 10% off selected treatments. For families, the Family Plan covers everyone from £49.50 a month. Membership helps spread the cost of looking after your teeth and can reduce the price of further work — ask us which treatments are included.
Smile makeovers at Pear Tree Dental, Nottingham
We plan every smile makeover around your goals, with a clear written timeline and costs before any treatment begins. Book a consultation or call us on 0115 931 2935. You can also explore our cosmetic dental services to learn more.
FAQ
Q: How long does a smile makeover take? A: It depends on the treatments involved. Whitening and bonding can take a few weeks, porcelain veneers around four to eight weeks, and makeovers that include orthodontics several months.
Q: What treatments are included in a smile makeover? A: A makeover is tailored to you and may combine whitening, composite bonding, veneers, crowns and orthodontics. Your dentist designs the right mix at your consultation.
Q: Can I see the result before treatment starts? A: Often yes. Many makeovers begin with a digital preview or a wax mock-up so you can see and agree the proposed shape and position of your teeth beforehand.
Q: Does a smile makeover hurt? A: Most cosmetic steps are comfortable, and anaesthetic is used where needed. Whitening can cause temporary sensitivity, which usually settles quickly.
Q: How do I start a smile makeover in Nottingham? A: Book a consultation so a dentist can assess your teeth and design a staged plan with timings and costs. Book online or call 0115 931 2935.