SmilesDent Alameda is more than a dental clinic; it is a place where smiles are redesigned and revitalised. We believe in the transformative power of a cared-for smile and how it influences a person's confidence.
Our cosmetic dentistry team offers personalised solutions, whether you want to correct small imperfections or completely transform your smile.
Cosmetic dental treatments at our clinic
Digital Smile Design: preview your future smile
Before any cosmetic treatment we let you visualise the final result with our Digital Smile Design tool, so you can see and approve the proposed design before starting.
Teeth whitening
Time and certain habits can dull our smile. We use advanced whitening techniques to brighten teeth.
There are two types: the most popular is in-office whitening with an LED light; the second is at-home whitening with clear trays and a whitening agent.
First Fit dental veneers
First Fit veneers are one of our most requested solutions. A fully digital process lets us design each veneer from a scan of your mouth so that it blends in with your smile.
Discover the potential of your smile
With our cosmetic treatments we guide you through a transformation that helps you smile with more confidence.
Whitening or veneers: which do I need?
Whitening only changes the colour of natural teeth and does not alter their shape. Veneers can also correct shape, size, small chips, wear or gaps. If your teeth are well shaped and you are only bothered by the shade, whitening is usually enough and is the most conservative option.
If there are stains that do not respond to whitening, or uneven or worn teeth, veneers may be a better fit. The two can also be combined: you whiten first and then the shade of the veneers is chosen. We decide after examining you and showing you the options on your own scan.
What needs to be treated first?
That your mouth is healthy: cavities, inflamed gums or sensitivity must be treated before any aesthetic treatment, because whitening or placing veneers on a mouth with problems gives poorer results and can cause discomfort.
In addition, fillings, crowns and veneers do not lighten with whitening, so it is worth planning the order of treatments: whiten first, then match the shade of the restorations. A prior check-up with X-rays shows where you stand and lets us quote the full plan without surprises. The UK's NHS agrees: it does not recommend whitening if the teeth or gums are not healthy.
How does Digital Smile Design work?
We take photographs and an intraoral scan of your mouth and simulate the result on your own smile, so you can see the proposal before any tooth is touched. We review the shape, size and colour of the teeth with you, in harmony with your face, your lips and the way you smile.
The proposal can be adjusted, and we only start treatment when you are happy with the design. The simulation is a guide: the final result depends on each case, and we explain this clearly.
Who will treat you
Dr. Muhammad El-Hachem Debek
Medical director · Prosthodontics and aesthetics
Registration no. 28013715
Dra. Elena López González Quevedo
General dentist and prosthodontist
Registration no. 28017376
Frequently asked questions about cosmetic dentistry
Are First Fit veneers suitable for all patients?
First Fit veneers offer very interesting aesthetic solutions, but they are not suitable for every patient. Before proposing them we hold a consultation with an examination and photographs to assess the state of your teeth and gums, your bite and what you want to change. If there are cavities, uncontrolled grinding or gum problems, these are treated first. Sometimes another option, such as whitening or a composite reconstruction, fits your case better, and we explain the differences clearly so that you can choose.
How long does the effect of teeth whitening last?
Results vary from patient to patient and with habits; in general, teeth whitening can last from one to three years. What matters most is what you drink and eat: coffee, tea, red wine or tobacco darken the teeth again over time, so it is best to avoid or reduce them, especially in the first days. The UK's NHS puts the effect at around 3 years if the dentist's advice is followed, notes that whitening only lightens natural teeth (not crowns or implants) and warns that whitening at beauty salons or with kits bought online works less well and can damage teeth and gums. Good hygiene and regular cleanings help keep the colour.
Are cosmetic dental treatments painful?
We put our patients' comfort first. Most aesthetic dental treatments are minimally invasive and, with today's techniques and anaesthetics, discomfort is minimal or non-existent. Whitening can cause temporary sensitivity for a few days, and veneers or reconstructions are done under local anaesthetic when needed. The UK's NHS lists sensitivity to cold or sweet food and sore gums among the side effects of professional whitening, which last a short time. If you are afraid of the dentist or have very sensitive teeth, tell us at the first visit and we will adapt the treatment so that you feel comfortable.
Sources and further reading
General patient information from public bodies and scientific societies. Your own case is always assessed at a consultation.
- Teeth whitening — NHS (Reino Unido)
- Dental treatments — NHS (Reino Unido)