Blog Post

What is cosmetic dentistry? & How it transforms lives

a man and a woman wearing sunglasses are laying on a bench .

Cosmetic dentistry is professional dental care with one aim – to improve the appearance of your teeth, gums, and smile. It’s an umbrella term for a variety of procedures ranging from minor fixes such as teeth whitening to more advanced smile solutions such as dental implants.



What’s the difference between a general dentist and a cosmetic dentist?

A general dentist focuses on the prevention and dental treatment of issues patients have with their oral health – pain and discomfort caused by root canals, gum disease and cavities. A cosmetic dentist performs procedures to enhance how you look. The two types of dentistry are not exclusive and often overlap to get the best outcome for patients – a winning smile but with enhanced oral health. 



Why should you see a cosmetic dentist?

There are many reasons why patients are motivated to seek dental treatment from a cosmetic dentist:


·        Stained and discoloured teeth

·        Chipped and cracked teeth

·        Crooked teeth

·        Missing teeth

·        Misshapen or twisted teeth


People with damaged, missing, or crooked teeth can have difficulty eating or speaking which seriously impacts their self-esteem, work and social life. Research has found nearly 45% of Kiwis have felt reluctant to smile at some point in their lives due to the condition of their teeth and mouth. It’s a distressing statistic, especially when there are accessible and long-term solutions.



Duxton Dental’s cosmetic dentistry services

At Duxton Dental Christchurch dental clinic, we provide full cosmetic dentistry services to help our patients achieve the best healthy smiles. The most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures performed by our Riccarton dentists:


·        Teeth whitening

A quick one treatment that makes a big impact on your smile. Professional teeth whitening ensures your discoloured teeth are restored to their former glory by a safe and regulated method.


·        Invisalign invisible braces

Customised and invisible aligners to straighten your teeth without the restrictions of traditional orthodontic braces. Fantastic results for young and adult patients – you are never too old for a straight smile!


·        Porcelain veneers

If you are living with broken or crooked teeth or have a gap in your teeth you want fixing, porcelain veneers reconstruct your smile. Porcelain veneers give the smile you always wanted. 


·        Crowns and bridges

Ideal for restoring damaging teeth and colour matched to your natural teeth, crowns and bridges are a long-term smile solution. They are the oldest method of tooth restoration, but with a modern twist; Duxton Dental use the latest digital dentist technology to create the perfect impression.


·        Dental implants

Dental implants are as close as you can get to having natural teeth in terms of strength and function. The benefits are unrivalled for patients who are missing one, two or all teeth.


The word ‘cosmetic' implies an almost frivolousness or shallowness, but when you think about the knock-on effects of having bad teeth, you can appreciate there is nothing fanciful about having a cosmetic dentistry procedure – it has the power to transform patients’ lives.


Teeth are needed for chewing, talking and give shape to your face. You do not have to live with bad teeth, there is always a solution. Duxton Dental provides cosmetic dental services to help patients achieve the best possible outcome through tailored dental treatment for their individual circumstances. No two mouths are the same!


Contact us today for an appointment, we look forward to meeting you. 

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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    Bayley Anderson

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Meet The Team
A close up of a woman 's smile with white teeth and pink lips.
21 Apr, 2024
Once you've made the investment in a brighter, whiter smile through professional teeth whitening , you'll notice the immediate boost it gives to your confidence and self-esteem. While the joy of an improved and radiant smile is long lasting, it is not permanent. It can last from as short as a couple of months to up to 3 years – it varies from person to person but also the lifestyle choices they make. If you had your cosmetic dental treatment with us at Duxton Dental’s clinic in Riccarton, you will know (in great detail) about how to maintain your newly whitened teeth. However, not all cosmetic dentists are as obsessed with aftercare. Here’s a summary of the maintenance information we give to help keep that sparkly smile for longer: Aftercare: 72 hours after you’ve whitened your teeth Teeth have a protective layer called the acquired pellicle and it is on the pellicle where stains on your teeth are found. During the teeth whitening process, this natural barrier is removed which means they are vulnerable to fresh staining. For the pellicle to develop again it takes between 12 to 24 hours. It’s best to avoid consuming anything that would stain a white shirt, this includes, but is not limited to: · Coffee · Colas · Red sauces including ketchup · Mustards · Soy sauce Eat only white and clear foods and drinks and avoid anything acid based for the first 72 hours. If you eat something dark, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth afterwards. If you are unable to do so, chew some sugar-free gum within 20 minutes. The saliva produced helps remove food and drink debris, neutralise acids in the mouth and help reduce any whitening-induced tooth sensitivity. During the first 72 hours, your teeth are more vulnerable to tooth decay as well as staining, so be vigilant to the food and drink you are consuming. Here’s some examples of foods and drinks you can eat: · Milk and water · Bananas and apples with the peel removed · White bread and flour tortillas · Oatmeal, cream of wheat · Plain yoghurt, sour cream, and cottage cheese · White rice or baked potato · Plain pasta with a white sauce 
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Discover the modern solution to straightening teeth discreetly with Invisalign braces for adults at Duxton Dental NZ. Book your consultation today!
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Before you rush to click that "buy now" button, let's explore the dangers lurking behind the seemingly harmless teeth whitening methods advertised online.
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What are Invisalign aligners? Invisalign aligners are invisible braces that are comfortable and a successful alternative to traditional orthodontic braces.
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We're overjoyed to welcome Bayley Anderson to the Duxton Dental family in Christchurch. Bayley's addition is exciting news for both our team and our patients.
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As we welcome the New Year with open arms, it's the perfect time to embrace positive changes and embark on a journey towards a radiant smile. Read more!
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