FAQs

Yes, we are currently welcoming new private patients from Liverpool and further afield, including Wirral, Cheshire, Lancashire and North Wales.

Your first appointment includes a full dental examination, oral cancer screening, gum health assessment, and discussion of your goals. We will provide a personalised treatment plan with transparent costs. Families are welcome in our calm, accessible practice.

From routine check-ups and hygiene appointments to fillings, root canals, crowns, bridges, and veneers—we offer gentle, high-quality care. Thinking about a brighter smile? We also provide teeth whitening, Invisalign, and dental implants. Our specialist-led team supports you with orthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, and calming extras like IV sedation, dental hypnosis, and sleep medicine.

Absolutely. We offer free on-site parking and full disabled access at 1 Childwall Park Avenue, L16 0JE. The venue is easy to reach by car, just a short drive from the end of the M62, and is also well-served by local bus routes, connecting you directly from Childwall, Wavertree, Broadgreen, Allerton, and across Liverpool.

Yes, we welcome new private patients of all ages. We offer Denplan as our monthly payment plan, helping you budget for your family's routine dental care. Our address is 1 Childwall Park Avenue, Liverpool, L16 0JE.

You can register online or call us. Our opening hours are Monday to Thursday 8am–6pm and Friday 8am–5pm. We are a private family-friendly practice with free on-site parking and full disabled access.

Yes, we offer on-the-day emergency appointments subject to availability for both new and existing patients. Please call us as early as possible if you are in pain or have suffered dental trauma.

At The Abbey by Duthie Dental, we gently care for anxious patients by calming the whole experience, not just the treatment. From the moment you arrive, you'll step into a truly tranquil environment—calm, peaceful, and softly lit, where clinical tension fades away. Our caring team listens, notices your worries, and never rushes you. We explain every step beforehand, so you always feel in control. And if you need extra support alongside your treatment, we offer gentle sedation or hypnosis as additional options to help you relax completely. We see all of you, not just your smile—so you'll always feel safe, respected, and truly at ease.

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers a damaged, weakened, or heavily filled tooth. You might need a crown after a root canal, to protect a cracked tooth, to restore a broken tooth, or to improve the appearance of a misshapen or discoloured tooth. Unlike a filling, a crown surrounds the entire visible part of the tooth above the gum line.

Our private crown fees can be found on our price and plans page. Fees will differ depending on the material used, such as zirconia, emax, or porcelain-fused-to-metal. This includes the initial preparation, temporary crown, final fitting, and lab fees. We provide a fixed written quote before any work begins with no hidden surprises.

Yes. You will need a comprehensive dental exam first, which includes X-rays to assess the tooth root and surrounding bone. This ensures a crown is the right solution for you rather than a filling, veneer, or extraction. You can book your exam and crown consultation together by calling our Liverpool reception team.

Typically two appointments. At the first visit, we prepare the tooth, take impressions, and fit a temporary crown. This takes about 60 to 90 minutes. The second visit, around two to three weeks later, involves removing the temporary crown and bonding your permanent crown into place, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Some patients choose same-day crowns if our practice offers CEREC technology.

Yes. We use high-quality ceramic and zirconia crowns that mimic the translucency, colour, and texture of natural teeth. Before making your crown, we match the shade to your adjacent teeth. Many of our Liverpool private patients choose all-ceramic crowns for front teeth because they contain no metal and look completely natural.

The procedure itself is not painful because we use local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding gum. You may feel pressure but not sharp pain. After the anaesthetic wears off, some sensitivity to hot or cold is normal for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief usually manages this. Most patients return to normal eating within 24 hours.

With proper home care and regular hygiene visits, most crowns last between 10 and 15 years, and some last 20 years or more. Crowns do not decay, but the tooth underneath can develop decay if you do not brush and floss around the crown margin. We check your crown at every dental exam as part of our private patient recall system.

You can eat soft foods, but avoid chewing on the temporary crown side. Also avoid sticky foods like toffees, caramels, or chewing gum, as these can pull off the temporary crown. If your temporary crown comes loose, call us immediately. Do not try to glue it back yourself with household adhesives.

If your crown falls off intact, keep it safe and call our Liverpool practice for an emergency appointment. Do not try to snap it back on yourself. If the crown breaks, we will assess whether it can be repaired or if a new crown is needed. Registered private patients receive priority access for crown emergencies.

Yes. We understand crowns are a significant investment. We offer monthly payment options through [Insert Finance Provider Name, e.g., Tabeo / Chrysalis Finance] for qualifying patients. You can also spread the cost if you join our Practice Plan membership. Speak to our reception team for a no-obligation breakdown before treatment begins.

You can book online via the ‘Book Now’ button, call us at 0151 707 4950, or email patientliaison@duthie.dental. We recommend mentioning that you are enquiring about a crown so we can allocate a longer appointment time for your assessment. New patient crown consultations are available within one to two weeks of expressing interest.

Absolutely. Our exams are designed with nervous and returning patients in mind. We perform a non-judgmental, thorough assessment of your current oral health. Many new private patients in Liverpool join us after a long break, and we focus on creating a comfortable, no-shame plan to get you back on track.

Unlike a basic NHS check-up, our comprehensive private exam includes: A detailed medical history review. A full intraoral and extraoral soft tissue examination (including oral cancer screening). Periodontal (gum) assessment with pocket charting. A customized treatment plan with clear pricing. Bite and jaw joint evaluation. A customized treatment plan with clear pricing. Time for you to ask questions about your smile or any concerns.

See out current Price List for more information. Our fee includes the comprehensive assessment and the oral cancer screening. Any X-rays (if clinically necessary) are priced separately but will always be discussed with you before being taken. We have no hidden charges.

No. As a private practice, you do not need an NHS referral or registration. You can book directly with us as a new private patient. We welcome patients from all over Liverpool—whether you live in the city centre, Aigburth, Woolton, or surrounding areas.

You can book online via the ‘Book Now’ button above, call our Liverpool reception team directly at 0151 707 4950 , or email us at patientliaison@theabbey.dental. We reserve specific appointment slots for new private patients each week to ensure minimal waiting times.

Your dentist will explain all findings and give you a written treatment plan with transparent prices. You are never pressured to proceed. If you agree, we can often book follow-up treatments (including with our in-house hygienist) at your convenience.

Yes. We are located in Childwall, Liverpool . We have On-Site Parking. For public transport, we are a short walk from the 81 bus route.

Yes. We are a nervous-patient-friendly practice. You are welcome to bring a companion into the exam room with you. We also offer longer appointment times if you let us know you have dental anxiety when booking.

No. Our dental exams are pay-as-you-go. However, many Liverpool patients choose to join our Practice Plan membership, which spreads the cost of your exams and hygiene visits across monthly payments and includes discounts on treatment. You can decide after your first exam.

A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is surgically placed into your jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. Once the implant fuses with your bone, we attach a crown, bridge, or denture on top. Most healthy adults with adequate bone density and healthy gums are suitable. If you have been told you lack bone, we can discuss bone grafting options. A full assessment is required first.

A single dental implant including the implant fixture, abutment, and custom-made crown typically ranges from [Insert Price, e.g., £2,200 to £2,800]. More complex cases, such as multiple implants, implant-supported bridges, or full-arch solutions like All-on-4, range from [Insert Price, e.g., £4,500 to £15,000]. We provide a detailed written breakdown before any work begins with no hidden fees.

The process involves several stages. First, a comprehensive dental exam with 3D CBCT scanning to assess your bone and anatomy. Second, if suitable, the implant placement surgery under local anaesthetic, which takes 60 to 90 minutes. Third, a healing period of three to six months for osseointegration, where the bone grows around the implant. Finally, the attachment of your permanent crown. We guide you through every step.

The surgery itself is not painful because we use strong local anaesthetic to numb the area completely. You will feel pressure and vibration from the surgical instruments but not sharp pain. After the anaesthetic wears off, mild soreness and swelling are normal for a few days. Most patients manage this with over-the-counter pain relief and return to normal activities within 48 hours.

With proper care, dental implants can last 20 years, 30 years, or even a lifetime. The crown on top may need replacement after 10 to 15 years due to normal wear, but the titanium implant itself is designed to be a permanent solution. Implants do not decay and are the most long-lasting tooth replacement option available for private patients

You may still be suitable. We offer bone grafting procedures, where we add synthetic or natural bone material to your jaw to build enough volume for an implant. This adds a healing phase of four to nine months before the implant can be placed. Alternatively, shorter or narrower implants may be an option. We will never proceed without being confident in a successful outcome.

Active, uncontrolled gum disease must be treated first, as implants need healthy gums to succeed. Smoking significantly reduces implant success rates because it impairs blood flow and healing. We are honest with our Liverpool patients: if you smoke heavily, we may advise quitting or reducing significantly before implant surgery, or suggest alternative options like bridges or dentures.

Implants cannot decay, but they can fail due to peri-implantitis, which is gum disease around the implant. You must brush and floss around the implant just like a natural tooth. We also recommend special interdental brushes or water flossers. You will need regular hygiene visits every three to six months so our team can check the implant health. Implants are not "fit and forget."

Yes. We understand implants are a significant investment. Finance options are available. Speak to our reception team for a no-obligation quote and finance application.

Our implant success rate is over 97% for non-smoking patients with good oral health. Failure is most likely to occur in the first three to six months if the implant does not fuse with bone, which is rare. Late failures happen years later due to poor hygiene or gum disease. We only place implants when we are confident of a good long-term outcome.

You can book online via the ‘Book Now’ button, call us at 0151 707 4950, or email patientliaison@duthie.dental.. Implant consultations require a longer appointment, typically 45 to 60 minutes, and include a 3D CBCT scan if clinically indicated. We aim to see new implant patients within two to three weeks of registering interest.

A full mouth reconstruction with implants replaces all missing or failing teeth in both the upper and lower jaws. It typically involves placing 4–8 implant posts per arch, which support a fixed, non-removable bridge or denture. Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported restorations feel and function like natural teeth.

You may be a candidate if you are missing most or all of your teeth, have severe bone loss, gum disease, or broken-down teeth, and are healthy enough for oral surgery. Adequate jawbone density is ideal, but even patients with significant bone loss can qualify after bone grafting or with zygomatic implants.

The full process typically takes 6–12 months, depending on healing, bone grafting needs, and final restoration fabrication. Many patients receive temporary teeth on the day of surgery (same-day implants), but permanent teeth are usually placed after osseointegration (3–6 months post-surgery).

Risks include implant failure (2–5% of cases), infection, nerve damage (numbness), sinus issues (for upper implants), and prosthetic fracture. However, success rates for full-arch implants are over 95% when placed by experienced surgeons and properly maintained.

Yes, but active gum disease must be treated first (scaling, antibiotics, or surgery). For bone loss, your surgeon will perform bone grafting (sinus lift or ridge augmentation). In severe maxillary bone loss, zygomatic implants (anchored in cheekbones) avoid grafting entirely.

Alternatives include traditional removable dentures (lower cost but poor stability) or implant-retained overdentures (snap-on, removable for cleaning). A fixed implant bridge is considered the gold standard for function, comfort, and aesthetics.

Clear aligners are removable, virtually invisible trays that gradually straighten your teeth without brackets or wires. We are a multi-brand practice because no single aligner works for every patient. We offer Invisalign, Angel Aligners, SureSmile, and Clarity aligners. Each brand has different strengths in terms of complexity, speed, and cost. During your consultation, we recommend the best clear aligner brand for your specific case.

Pricing varies depending on which clear aligner brand you need and the complexity of your case. Angel Aligners and SureSmile are often more affordable than Invisalign for mild to moderate cases, while Invisalign and Clarity are excellent for more complex movements. For full pricing details across all four brands, please visit our Prices and Plans page. We provide a fixed written quote after your consultation.

No referral is needed. You can book a clear aligner consultation directly with us. During this appointment, we will examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and determine which of our four clear aligner systems—Invisalign, Angel Aligners, SureSmile, or Clarity—is right for you. Call us on 0151 707 4950 or email patientliaison@theabbey.dental to book.

Invisalign is the most well-known brand and is excellent for complex cases including severe crowding and bite issues. Angel Aligners offers comparable technology often at a lower price point. SureSmile is known for faster treatment times in mild to moderate cases using high-precision 3D printing. Clarity aligners feature a unique non-polished matte finish that reduces glare and visibility. We do not believe one brand fits everyone, so we match you to the right clear aligner.

Treatment time depends on your case, not just the brand. Mild cases such as minor crowding or small gaps typically take 3 to 6 months. Moderate cases take 6 to 12 months. Complex cases take 12 to 18 months. SureSmile often claims faster results for simple cases, while Invisalign and Clarity are better suited for longer, more complex plans. We give you a clear timeline during your consultation.

When you start a new set of aligners, you will feel pressure on your teeth for the first two to three days. This is normal and means the aligners are working. You may also experience mild soreness when removing or inserting aligners initially. Most patients describe the discomfort as mild and far less painful than fixed braces. This applies whether you choose Invisalign, Angel Aligners, SureSmile, or Clarity.

Yes, because you remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. You should brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in to prevent trapping sugar and acid against your teeth. Avoid drinking hot coffee, tea, red wine, or fizzy drinks while wearing any brand of aligners, as heat can warp them and liquids can stain them or cause decay underneath.

Clean your aligners daily using a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water only. You can also use brand-specific cleaning crystals or general retainer cleaning tablets. Never use hot water, toothpaste, or harsh soaps as these can scratch or warp the plastic. Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before reinserting your aligners after every meal to prevent cavities and bad breath. This applies to Invisalign, Angel Aligners, SureSmile, and Clarity alike.

You may notice a very slight lisp or change in your speech for the first few days as your tongue adjusts to the aligners. This almost always resolves within a week as you become accustomed to wearing them. Practising speaking aloud, reading out loud, or singing along to music speeds up this adjustment period. Most patients report that no one notices any difference after the first few days, regardless of which clear aligner brand they choose.

For optimal results with any clear aligner system, you must wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss. If you lose an aligner, contact us immediately on 0151 707 4950. Do not skip ahead to the next aligner. We will advise whether to wear your previous aligner or move to the next one. Lost aligners may incur a replacement fee, which varies by brand.

Not every case is suitable for clear aligners. Severe vertical bite issues or cases requiring significant root movement may still need fixed braces. Among our four brands, Invisalign and Clarity are generally stronger options for complex cases involving severe crowding, rotation, open bites, and crossbites. Angel Aligners and SureSmile are excellent for mild to moderate cases. During your consultation, we will be honest about whether any clear aligner is right for you or if fixed braces are a better option.

You will need retainers regardless of which brand you used. Your teeth will try to move back to their original positions without retention. We will provide you with removable retainers, typically Vivera for Invisalign patients or equivalent high-quality retainers for Angel Aligners, SureSmile, and Clarity patients. You must wear your retainers full-time for the first three to six months, then nightly indefinitely. Replacement retainers are available for an additional fee.

Yes. We offer flexible monthly payment options through our practice. For full pricing and plan details across all four clear aligner brands, please visit our Prices and Plans page. You can also speak to our reception team on 0151 707 4950 for a no-obligation breakdown of deposit amounts and monthly instalments based on which brand is recommended for you.

You can book online via the 'Book Now' button, call us directly on 0151 707 4950, or email patientliaison@theabbey.dental. Clear aligner consultations typically take 45 to 60 minutes and include digital scanning with no messy impressions. We will discuss all four brands—Invisalign, Angel Aligners, SureSmile, and Clarity—and recommend the best option for your smile goals and budget. The consultation fee will be confirmed when you book and is deductible from your total treatment fee if you proceed.

Procedural hypnosis, sometimes called dental hypnotherapy or clinical hypnosis, is a safe, drug‑free technique that helps you enter a deeply relaxed state of focused attention while remaining fully aware and in control at all times. Unlike the theatrical hypnosis you may have seen on stage, dental hypnosis is a gentle, evidence‑based tool used to reduce anxiety, manage the gag reflex, lower pain perception, and help you feel calm and comfortable during dental treatment. At Abbey by Duthie Dental, we use procedural hypnosis for patients who struggle with dental fear, needle phobia, difficulty numbing, or a strong gag reflex, allowing them to receive routine or complex dental care without distress.

Yes, you do need a referral from a dentist or GP to access procedural hypnosis for dental treatment. This is because hypnosis is a clinical intervention that must be based on a proper dental diagnosis and treatment plan. However, if you do not have a regular dentist, you are still very welcome to come directly to Abbey by Duthie Dental. One of our experienced dentists will carry out a thorough dental examination and assess your needs. Based on that assessment, if hypnosis is appropriate for you, our dentist can provide the necessary referral for treatment within our clinic. This means you can start your journey with us even without an existing dentist. Simply call our Liverpool clinic, and we will guide you through the process with warmth and clarity.

No, not at all. This is the most common misunderstanding about dental hypnosis. You will remain awake, aware of your surroundings, and completely in control throughout your entire appointment. Hypnosis is not sleep, nor is it unconsciousness. Instead, it is a state of deep physical and mental relaxation, similar to the feeling just before falling asleep or becoming completely absorbed in a good book or film. You will be able to hear the dentist, respond to questions, and open your mouth as requested. The difference is that you will feel profoundly calm, and any anxiety or discomfort will feel distant and unimportant.

For many patients, hypnosis can significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for local anaesthetic, particularly for simple procedures such as fillings, cleanings, or shallow restorations. However, for deeper treatment such as root canals or surgical extractions, most patients still prefer some local anaesthetic. The benefit of hypnosis in these cases is that it dramatically reduces the anxiety around the injection itself, making the injection feel less uncomfortable or even unnoticeable. We will always discuss your individual pain threshold and procedure requirements beforehand, and we will never proceed without your full comfort.

This varies from patient to patient. Some patients experience significant relaxation after just one thirty‑minute hypnosis session and are able to undergo treatment immediately afterwards. Others, particularly those with severe, long‑standing dental phobia, benefit from two or three short preparatory sessions before their first dental procedure. During your consultation, we will assess your level of anxiety and create a personalised hypnosis plan that fits your needs and timeline. Many of our Liverpool patients are pleasantly surprised by how quickly they feel a difference.

Yes, hypnosis is extremely safe when practised by a trained, qualified clinician. At Abbey by Duthie Dental, our team includes dentists and hypnotherapists who have undergone specialist training in clinical hypnosis for dentistry. There are no known harmful side effects. After a session, some patients feel deeply relaxed or a little sleepy for a few minutes, similar to waking from a short nap. A very small number of patients may experience mild dizziness or a headache, which resolves quickly. You can drive home after hypnosis, although we always advise waiting a few minutes until you feel fully alert.

Yes, absolutely. A hypersensitive gag reflex is one of the most common reasons patients avoid dental care, and hypnosis is highly effective at reducing or eliminating it. Through specific hypnotic techniques and visualisation exercises, we can teach your mind and body to suppress the gag response, allowing you to tolerate x‑ray sensors, impression trays, and even routine cleaning without distress. Many of our patients who previously could not even brush their back teeth without gagging are able to have full dental work completed comfortably after just one or two hypnosis sessions.

Hypnosis is not a magic cure, and it does not work for every single person. However, it has a very high success rate for dental anxiety when used with a trained practitioner. Approximately eighty‑five to ninety percent of people are responsive to clinical hypnosis. If you try hypnosis and find that it does not help as much as you hoped, we will simply try another approach. At Abbey by Duthie Dental, we offer a full range of anxiety management tools, including oral sedation, IV sedation, and a gentle, paced approach with extra appointment time. There is no pressure, no judgment, and no single right way. We will find what works for you.

Pricing depends on whether you require a separate hypnosis preparation session before your dental treatment or whether hypnosis is integrated into your treatment appointment itself. Typically, a dedicated thirty‑minute hypnosis session starts from [insert practice price]. If hypnosis is used during a dental procedure, it is usually included as part of the treatment fee or added as a modest supplement. During your no‑obligation consultation, we will provide a clear, printed quote with all fees explained. For new private patients, we also offer interest‑free and low‑interest finance options subject to approval.

Yes, and we have helped many patients in Liverpool who believed they were beyond help. We regularly see people who have not visited a dentist for five, ten, or even twenty years due to overwhelming fear. Some have had previous traumatic experiences, while others simply cannot explain where their anxiety comes from. Our approach at Abbey by Duthie Dental is gentle, patient, and completely non‑judgmental. We will never rush you or push you further than you are ready to go. Hypnosis is just one tool in our toolkit, and we will work at your pace, whether that means starting with just a conversation, then a short hypnosis session, and eventually very simple treatment. You are not broken, and we believe you can have a calm dental experience.

Abbey by Duthie Dental is set within a stunning, converted abbey in Childwall, offering a spa‑like, calm environment that feels worlds away from a clinical, sterile dental surgery. Our waiting areas are comfortable and quiet, our treatment rooms are softly lit, and our entire team is trained in supporting anxious patients with warmth and patience. Our dentists who offer procedural hypnosis have undergone specialist postgraduate training in clinical hypnosis specifically for dentistry, not a weekend course. We also take a holistic approach, meaning we treat you as a whole person, not just a set of teeth. When you combine our beautiful environment, our skilled team, and our genuine compassion, you will quickly understand why so many nervous Liverpool patients travel to The Abbey for care.

Yes, hypnosis can be very effective for children, typically from around the age of seven or eight upwards, depending on the child's ability to focus and engage with the process. We use child‑friendly language and gentle visualisation techniques, such as imagining a favourite safe place or using breathing games. Many children respond even faster than adults because their imaginations are more vivid and they have fewer entrenched fears. Please contact our Liverpool clinic to discuss your child's specific needs, and we will advise whether hypnosis is appropriate or whether a different anxiety management approach would suit them better.

Not at all. You do not need to believe in hypnosis any more than you need to believe in gravity to fall. Clinical hypnosis works through natural psychological and physiological processes regardless of your belief. That said, scepticism or a very analytical mind can sometimes make it harder to achieve a deep state of relaxation. In those cases, we would simply suggest trying a different approach, such as IV sedation or a gentle, paced treatment style. We will never waste your time or money on something that is not working for you.

A smile makeover is a completely personalised treatment plan that combines two or more cosmetic dental procedures to transform your entire smile, rather than just fixing one small issue. Unlike a single treatment such as teeth whitening or one veneer, a smile makeover looks at your face shape, skin tone, lip line, and overall facial harmony to design a smile that is uniquely yours. At Abbey by Duthie Dental, we typically combine treatments such as porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, composite bonding, and sometimes clear aligners to address everything you dislike about your smile in one coordinated plan. The result is a smile that looks naturally beautiful, not obviously "done."

Your journey begins with a relaxed, no‑obligation consultation at our beautiful Abbey clinic in Childwall. During this appointment, we will listen carefully to what you love and dislike about your smile, whether that is discolouration, gaps, chips, crookedness, or worn edges. We will then take digital photographs and, where helpful, create a smile simulation so you can see your potential new smile before any treatment begins. There is absolutely no pressure to proceed, and you will leave with a clear, treatment plan and fixed price quote.

The cost of a smile makeover varies depending entirely on which treatments are included and how many teeth are involved. A simple makeover combining teeth whitening with a few composite bonding touch‑ups will be significantly different from a full porcelain veneer smile transformation. We provide a transparent, fixed price quote during your consultation with no hidden fees. We offer interest‑free and low‑interest finance options subject to approval, allowing you to spread the cost over several months. Our team will explain all payment options clearly so you can plan your smile transformation with confidence.

The length of your smile makeover depends on the complexity of your case. A simple combination of teeth whitening and composite bonding can often be completed in just one or two appointments over a few weeks. A more comprehensive makeover involving multiple porcelain veneers or clear aligners typically takes between two and three months. This includes your initial consultation, any preparation appointments, laboratory fabrication time for custom veneers, and your final fitting. We will provide you with a realistic timeline during your consultation so you can plan around important life events such as weddings, job interviews, or holidays.

Our philosophy at Abbey by Duthie Dental is to create smiles that look naturally beautiful and suit your individual face, rather than generic "Hollywood" smiles that can look false. We take great care to select tooth shapes, sizes, and shades that work harmoniously with your gum line, lip shape, skin tone, and age. We never push you toward an unnaturally bright shade unless you specifically request it. Using high‑quality porcelain and composite materials, we mimic the natural translucency and subtle colour variations of real enamel. Most of our patients tell us that friends and family notice they look different but cannot quite tell what has changed.

Absolutely. Many of our patients come to us specifically because they have an important event coming up and want to feel confident and camera‑ready. We will work backwards from your event date to create a treatment timeline that ensures your smile is fully finished and settled well before the big day. For very tight deadlines, we can sometimes offer accelerated options, such as same‑day composite bonding or expedited veneer fabrication. Please tell our team about your event when you book, and we will do everything possible to have you smiling with confidence on time.

For porcelain veneers, we do need to remove a very thin layer of enamel from the front surface of your teeth, typically between 0.3mm and 0.5mm, which is about the thickness of a fingernail. This is necessary to ensure the veneers sit flush with your natural teeth and look completely natural. This removal is permanent, which is why we never begin any preparation until you have seen a full digital preview or wax model of your new smile and given your final approval. For composite bonding or teeth whitening, no enamel removal is required at all. We will always explain the irreversible nature of any treatment before you commit.

Yes, and we are very proud of our calm, reassuring approach. Abbey by Duthie Dental is set within a stunning, spa‑like converted abbey in Childwall, Liverpool, designed from the ground up to feel relaxing rather than clinical. Our dentists are highly experienced in treating nervous patients and will never rush you. We explain every step before we do it, check in with you constantly, and stop immediately whenever you need a break. For those with more significant dental anxiety, we also offer oral sedation and hypnosis for dental anxiety. You will be treated with patience, warmth, and genuine care from your very first visit.

The longevity of your smile makeover depends on which treatments you have had. Porcelain veneers typically last between ten and fifteen years with good oral hygiene and regular check‑ups. Composite bonding usually lasts between three and seven years before needing touch‑ups. Teeth whitening results last from six months to two years, depending on your diet and habits. To protect your investment, we recommend avoiding biting hard objects like ice or pens, wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth, and attending regular hygiene appointments. We will provide you with a detailed, printed aftercare plan tailored specifically to your new smile.

Yes, we do. Many of our patients require some tooth straightening before cosmetic treatments like veneers or bonding, especially if they have crooked teeth or bite issues. At The Abbey, we offer clear aligners such as Invisalign, as well as specialist orthodontic treatment with our consultant orthodontist, Dr. Orla Carty. We can plan a staged smile makeover where you straighten your teeth first, often discreetly with clear aligners, and then add whitening, bonding, or veneers to perfect the shape and colour. This combined approach delivers truly exceptional, long‑lasting results.

A well‑planned smile makeover improves both aesthetics and oral health. Straightening crooked teeth with aligners makes them easier to clean, reducing your risk of decay and gum disease. Replacing old, leaky fillings or worn edges prevents bacteria from collecting in cracks and crevices. Closing gaps between teeth can reduce food trapping and make flossing more effective. While the visible results are beautiful, the underlying benefits for your long‑term dental health are equally valuable. We always ensure your mouth is healthy before beginning any cosmetic work, so you are investing in a smile that looks good and stays healthy.

Yes, absolutely. We never ask you to commit to treatment without seeing a realistic preview first. Depending on your case, we can provide digital smile simulations using photographs of your face, or we can create a diagnostic wax model showing exactly how your teeth will look. In some cases, we can even place temporary composite mock‑up veneers directly on your teeth so you can see and feel your new smile in a mirror. Only when you are completely happy and have given your final approval do we proceed with any irreversible treatment. Your smile makeover is a partnership, and your voice guides every decision.

Dental veneers are thin, custom‑made shells, usually made of high‑quality porcelain, that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth to improve their colour, shape, size, or alignment. Unlike composite bonding, which is applied and shaped directly onto your tooth in a single visit, porcelain veneers are fabricated in a dental laboratory and require two to three appointments. Porcelain veneers are more stain‑resistant, longer‑lasting, and often look more lifelike than bonding, especially for larger smile makeovers.

You are likely a good candidate if you have multiple cosmetic concerns such as permanent staining that does not respond to whitening, uneven or worn teeth, small gaps, slightly crooked teeth, or chipped edges. You need to have generally healthy teeth and gums without active decay or gum disease. During your consultation, we will examine your smile, take digital photographs, and discuss whether veneers, bonding, or orthodontics would be the best solution for your specific goals.

You can usually book an initial cosmetic consultation within one week. After that, the full veneer process typically takes two to three weeks from start to finish. This includes your preparation appointment, laboratory fabrication time, and your final bonding appointment. There are no NHS waiting lists for cosmetic veneers, and you do not need a referral from another dentist.

Porcelain veneers are an investment in your smile, and pricing depends on the number of veneers and the complexity of your case. Up to date prices can be found on our prices and plans page. During your no‑obligation consultation, you will receive a fixed quote with all fees clearly listed, including the initial consultation, preparation appointment, laboratory fees, and final fitting. We do not add hidden charges.

Yes, porcelain veneers require a small amount of enamel removal from the front surface of your tooth to ensure the veneer sits flush with your natural teeth and looks natural. Typically, we remove between 0.3mm and 0.5mm of enamel, which is roughly the thickness of a fingernail. This process is irreversible, which is why we often create a diagnostic wax model or digital smile design first so you can see exactly how your veneers will look before any tooth preparation begins.

The preparation appointment is not painful because we use local anaesthetic to completely numb your teeth and gums. Afterwards, you may experience mild to moderate sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days, especially while wearing temporary veneers. Once your permanent porcelain veneers are bonded, most sensitivity resolves completely. Some patients choose over‑the‑counter pain relief for the first 24 to 48 hours, but many feel no discomfort at all.

With good oral hygiene and regular dental check‑ups, porcelain veneers typically last between ten and fifteen years, and many patients enjoy them for even longer. Porcelain is highly stain‑resistant, so you do not need to avoid coffee, tea, or red wine as strictly as you would with composite bonding. However, you should avoid biting hard objects like ice, boiled sweets, or fingernails. Brush and floss normally, and we will check your veneers during your routine hygiene appointments.

Porcelain is strong, but it can chip if subjected to significant trauma. If a veneer chips, we may be able to repair it with composite resin in some cases, but usually the veneer will need to be replaced. If a veneer falls off due to a bonding failure, we can often re‑bond it on the same day. We keep your exact veneer prescription and shade on file, so replacement veneers match perfectly. We recommend that all veneer patients attend a brief annual review appointment to check the bond and edges.

Yes, we do. For new private patients, we offer interest‑free and low‑interest finance options through our partner providers, subject to credit approval. This allows you to spread the cost of your veneers over three to twelve months or longer for more extensive smile makeovers. Whether you are having two veneers or ten, our reception team can arrange a monthly payment plan that fits your budget.

Our Liverpool cosmetic dentists use premium porcelain materials that mimic natural enamel in terms of translucency, texture, and light reflection. We take detailed digital impressions and send them to specialist ceramists who hand‑craft each veneer. We also match the shade to your surrounding teeth, never using an unnatural Hollywood white unless you specifically request that look. Most patients tell us that even their own family cannot tell which teeth are veneered.

You can absolutely get just one veneer if you have a single tooth that is discoloured, chipped, or misshapen. However, we usually recommend at least two veneers for front teeth, one on each central incisor, so that they match in colour and symmetry. For the most natural and balanced result, many patients choose four or six veneers across their upper front teeth. We will never pressure you into more veneers than you actually need.

We understand this concern completely, which is why we never start treatment until you are absolutely sure. Before any tooth preparation, we can create a digital smile design or a diagnostic wax model showing your expected result. Only when you give your final approval do we proceed. If you change your mind at any point before the preparation appointment, there is no obligation to continue.