Cosmetic dentist · Birmingham & Manchester
Smiles, planned precisely.
Composite bonding, veneers, Invisalign and whitening — designed under magnification and finished by hand.
- ConsultationsFree, with no obligation
- ClinicsBirmingham & Manchester
- FocusConservative cosmetic dentistry
- On InstagramBehind the Loupes ↗
Treatments, chosen for your smile — not the trend.
Five ways to change a smile. The right one depends on your teeth, what you'd like to change, and how long you want it to last. That's what the consultation is for.
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01 Composite bonding Chips, gaps and uneven edges, built up by hand in tooth-coloured composite.
Composite bonding adds tooth-coloured resin to the surface of your teeth and sculpts it into shape — usually with little or no drilling of the natural tooth. It's one of the most conservative ways to change a smile, and one of the most skill-sensitive: shade, layering and polish decide whether it looks natural or looks done.
Ask about composite bondingGood for
- Chipped or worn edges
- Small gaps between teeth
- Teeth uneven in length or shape
- Finishing a smile after aligners
Worth knowing
Composite can stain and chip over time, so it needs looking after. Read the full bonding guide.
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02 Veneers Bigger changes to shape, shade and proportion, when bonding isn't the right fit.
Veneers are thin coverings bonded to the front of the teeth. They can change shape and colour more dramatically than bonding, but the work is exacting. No, we can't just "quickly glue them on" — preparation, shade matching and fit all take time to get right.
Ask about veneersGood for
- Discolouration whitening won't lift
- Changing tooth shape or proportion
- Replacing old, failing restorations
Worth knowing
Some veneers need a small amount of enamel removed, which can't be undone. We'll talk honestly about whether a more conservative option would suit you better.
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03 Invisalign & aligners Straighten first. It makes every other treatment simpler and more conservative.
Clear aligners move teeth gradually using a series of removable, near-invisible trays. In many smile makeovers, aligning the teeth first means less material is needed afterwards — and sometimes no further treatment at all.
Ask about InvisalignGood for
- Crowding and spacing
- Teeth that have moved since braces
- Preparing for bonding or veneers
Worth knowing
Aligners only work if you wear them for most of the day as advised, and retainers afterwards stop teeth drifting back.
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04 Teeth whitening Professional whitening, prescribed and supervised by a dentist.
Whitening lifts the natural shade of your teeth with professional-strength gel, usually in custom-made trays you wear at home. In the UK, tooth whitening is dentistry, so it must be carried out by a registered dental professional — not a salon or kiosk.
Ask about whiteningGood for
- Yellowing or dullness
- A brighter base before bonding
- Topping up over time
Worth knowing
Whitening doesn't change the colour of existing crowns, veneers or bonding, which is why the order of treatment matters. Some people notice temporary sensitivity.
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05 Smile makeovers A planned combination — align, whiten, then refine — designed around your face.
A smile makeover is a treatment plan rather than a single procedure. We look at your smile as a whole — tooth shape, gum line, proportions, the way you talk and laugh — and plan the least invasive route to the result you want.
Ask about a smile makeoverGood for
- More than one thing you'd like to change
- A natural-looking result
- Wanting a clear plan before you commit
Worth knowing
You'll understand what's proposed, and why, before treatment begins. How a makeover is sequenced.
Real smiles. Carefully considered.
A selection of Dr Zoya's own cases. Drag each image to compare the documented before and after.
BeforeAfter
A planned, three-stage smile makeover
BeforeAfter
Masking a dark tooth naturally
BeforeAfter
Restoring worn edges
Every case is individual. Images show Dr Zoya's own patients; results vary and treatment follows a clinical assessment.
View the full portfolio
A familiar smile
The same care, whoever is in the chair.
Dr Zoya with professional footballer Anthony Elanga after looking after his smile — one of the moments shared from the practice on Instagram.
Anthony Elanga
Professional footballer
The approach
Personal by design. Precise by nature.
No two smiles are the same, so no two treatment plans are either. Every plan is shaped around your teeth, your face and what you want, then carried out with care, precision and attention to detail. This is how it works.
Talk
A free consultation: what bothers you, what you'd love, and what's realistically possible for your teeth.
Plan
Your smile is assessed and planned before anything is touched, so you understand the options, the order and the likely cost.
Treat
Careful, unhurried treatment under magnification. The loupes are there for a reason.
Look after
Aftercare and reviews to help your results last — and someone local to call if anything feels wrong.
Before you book anywhere
Five questions to ask before anyone touches your teeth.
Whether you're comparing clinics in Birmingham or thinking about treatment abroad, these are worth answering first. A good dentist will be happy to answer every one.
- How much natural tooth will be removed?Crowns remove far more tooth than bonding or most veneers — and enamel doesn't grow back.
- Who is treating me, and are they registered?In the UK, every dentist is on the GDC register. Ask for their number and check it.
- What happens if something goes wrong?Know who fixes a chip or a sensitive tooth, and how far away they are.
- Is there a more conservative option?Aligners, whitening or bonding can sometimes get you there with less.
- Can I see the plan before we start?You should understand the what, the why and the cost before treatment begins.
About Zoya
Hi, I'm Zoya. I'd rather do it properly than quickly.
I'm a cosmetic dentist seeing patients in Birmingham and Manchester. Most of my work is helping people change something about their smile they've quietly put up with for years — a chip, a gap, a shade, a tooth that sits slightly out of line.
I started Behind the Loupes on Instagram to show what that work really involves: the planning, the precision, and the days that aren't all smiles and salads. If you're trusting someone with your teeth, you should know how they work.
My approach is simple: be honest about what will and won't suit you, keep as much of your natural tooth as possible, and never rush the finish.
From Behind the Loupes
Straight answers to the questions people ask on Instagram, written up properly. All articles
Composite bonding, explained
Composite bonding in Birmingham: an honest guide
What composite bonding can and can't do, how long it lasts, how it compares to veneers, and how to choose who does it.
Align, whiten, then bond
Align, whiten, then bond: why the order of your smile makeover matters
Turkey teeth — the truth
Turkey teeth: the truth, before you book that flight
FAQs
Good questions.
Something not covered here? Ask it in the form below, or send a message on Instagram.
Is the consultation really free?
Yes. Consultations are free, with no obligation to go ahead. It's a chance to talk through what you'd like and whether treatment is right for you.
Where do you see patients?
I see patients in Edgbaston, Birmingham, and central Manchester. Let us know your preferred location when you get in touch.
Does composite bonding damage your teeth?
Bonding is usually additive, meaning little or no natural tooth is removed. It does need maintenance, and it isn't right for everyone — which is exactly what your consultation is for.
Bonding or veneers — which is better?
Neither is better in general. It depends on your teeth, your bite, what you want to change and how long you want it to last. Often the best plan starts with aligners or whitening.
Do veneers damage your teeth?
Some veneers need a small amount of enamel removed, which can't be undone. Others need little or none. We'll talk honestly about whether a more conservative option, such as bonding, would suit you better.
Will I need a retainer after Invisalign or aligners?
Yes. Aligners only work if you wear them for most of the day as advised, and retainers afterwards stop your teeth drifting back.
Can I get my teeth whitened at a salon?
In the UK, tooth whitening is dentistry and should only be carried out by a registered dental professional. Whitening by anyone else is illegal and can put your teeth and gums at risk.
How much does treatment cost?
Every smile is different, so the cost depends on what's involved. After your consultation you'll have a clear plan with costs before you decide anything.
Is cosmetic treatment suitable for everyone?
No. Treatment is only recommended after an assessment of your teeth and gums, and some people will be advised to deal with other dental needs first.
Book
Start with a free consultation.
Tell us a little about your smile. There's no pressure and no obligation — just an honest conversation.
- 01Send the form — it takes about a minute.
- 02We'll get in touch to arrange a time at your preferred clinic.
- 03Come in, talk it through, and leave with a clear plan.
Prefer Instagram? Send a DM to @dr.zoyaahmed