How do you find out who is the best cosmetic dentist?

a close up of a woman 's face with red hair and freckles smiling .

Do you want to brighten and whiten your teeth? Or perhaps you have crooked or misaligned teeth that you feel ruin every smile? Most people have a hangup about some aspect of their teeth and some are keen to find a solution. And who can blame them? A study by the Kelton Group and Invisalign confirmed that perceptions of people with a good smile were that:


·        They are successful

·        More likely to be wealthy

·        More trustworthy

·        More likely to be healthy

·        More likely to get a job


For a physically small feature, your smile makes a big impact. Cosmetic dentistry is where art and science collide to create beautiful, healthy smiles. If you're looking for a cosmetic dentist in Christchurch, you've come to the right place, but choosing the best cosmetic dentist is a critical decision, and we're here to help guide you through the process.


How to find a cosmetic dentist

Are you planning to choose a cosmetic dentist based on cost and convenience? After a quick Google of ‘the cheapest cosmetic dentist in Christchurch’, you will be given many options and may even be tempted to travel overseas for dental treatment. But be careful, like fine art, cosmetic dentistry requires skill and time, and while affordable cosmetic dentistry is not a pipe dream, you simply get what you pay for. Here are critical signs you have chosen the best cosmetic dentist:

 

Experience and knowledge of cosmetic dentistry

First and foremost, you need to find a cosmetic dentist who is experienced and knowledgeable in the latest dental techniques and technologies, so your cosmetic dentist is qualified to offer a dental treatment to suit your unique needs, rather than an ‘off the shelf’ option. For example, you may think veneers are a solution, whereas ABB (align, bleach and bond) is more suited to your circumstances.


Investment in the latest dental technologies

Technology plays an enormous role in modern dentistry, and you should look for a cosmetic dentist who invests in the latest dental technologies. State-of-the-art equipment enables more accurate diagnoses, minimal invasive dental treatment and quicker recovery times, which translates into lower dental costs for patients in the long term. 


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Real cosmetic dentistry patients’ testimonials and examples of outcomes

Check out online reviews and ask to see examples of their work to get a sense of skill level and the quality of the work. A great cosmetic dentist will always be happy to show you their achievements (we’re not showing off, honestly).


Exemplary patient care

However, the best cosmetic dentists are not solely interested in creating a visually perfect smile – we are genuinely interested in all aspects of your dental health and well-being. From explaining dental procedures, managing your expectations and through to aftercare -transparency is critical. Any cosmetic dental treatment undertaken is done so with your oral health as the priority – which means if a desired treatment is not suitable for your teeth, it will not be given, and an alternative effective but healthy solution offered.


At Duxton Dental’s Riccarton practice, we meet all these criteria and more. We are passionate about creating beautiful, healthy smiles and are dedicated to staying on the cutting edge of dental technology. Our friendly, professional staff is committed to providing exceptional patient care. Contact us today to schedule your cosmetic dental consultation and take the first step towards your dream smile!

Our Dental Services

Meet Our Dentists

  • Dental Surgeon - Graham Duttone

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    Grahame Dutton

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  • Dental Surgeon - Christine Duxbury

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    Christine Duxbury

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  • Dental Surgeon - Hayley Hall

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    Hayley Hall

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  • Dental Surgeon - Rhonda Gooding

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    Rhonda Gooding

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  • A woman is smiling in a black and white photo.

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    Bayley Anderson

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Meet The Team
A woman 's teeth before and after whitening.
April 28, 2025
Teeth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments in Christchurch – and it’s easy to see why. A brighter, whiter smile not only enhances appearance, but also boosts confidence and helps patients feel more at ease in social and professional settings. If you compare the feel-good factor with the dollars spent, teeth whitening delivers a fantastic return on investment. However, in Duxton Dental’s Riccarton clinic, our cosmetic dentists have shared how some patients initially feel their teeth are too discoloured to achieve great results. So, without further ado, let’s talk about whether there really is such a thing as teeth that are too yellow for whitening. Are my teeth too yellow for whitening? The short answer: no – but there are a few important things to understand first. The colour of your teeth, the cause of their discolouration, and the treatment method you choose all play a role in how effective teeth whitening can be. When it comes to your smile, seeking expert dental care from a qualified dentist in Christchurch is key to achieving safe, natural-looking results. What causes yellow teeth? There are two types of tooth discolouration: extrinsic staining, which affects the outer surface of the teeth (the enamel), and intrinsic staining, which occurs deeper within the tooth structure (the dentin). Yellowing can be caused by one or both, and the best treatment options vary depending on the cause. It’s crucial to identify the type of staining before any dental treatment is started to get the best teeth whitening outcome. Extrinsic stains and treatment The word extrinsic means coming from the outside or not related to something. Extrinsic stains are the most common cause of yellow teeth and are typically caused by things consumed: Diet : regular consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and foods rich in pigment (like curry or berries) stain enamel. Smoking or tobacco use : nicotine and tar are notorious for causing yellow and brown staining. Poor dental hygiene : infrequent brushing and flossing allow plaque and tartar to build up, dulling the teeth. 
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