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You’ve decided to invest in your smile. Perhaps you’re considering veneers, thinking about Invisalign, or researching dental implants. You’ve started looking at websites, reading reviews, and comparing before-and-after photos. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: not all cosmetic dentists deliver the same quality of results, and the difference between excellent and mediocre cosmetic dentistry can be the difference between a smile you’re proud to show off and one you regret spending thousands on.
The Northwest is home to hundreds of dental practices offering cosmetic treatments, and their marketing often looks remarkably similar—stunning photos, promises of “smile transformations”, and impressive credentials. So how do you actually identify which practices have the genuine expertise, ethics, and patient care approach that will deliver the results you’re hoping for?
At Kissdental, with clinics across Manchester, Liverpool, Cheshire, and Bury, we believe patients deserve transparency when making these significant decisions. Dr Kailesh Solanki founded the practice in 2005 with a vision to provide unparalleled patient care and the highest quality dentistry available—and that commitment extends to educating patients about what questions they should be asking any cosmetic dentist they’re considering, whether that’s Kissdental or elsewhere.
Let’s explore the ten essential questions you need to ask before choosing a cosmetic dentist, why each matters, and what answers should give you confidence versus those that should raise red flags.
This might seem like an obvious starting point, but it’s surprising how many patients never think to ask about their dentist’s actual cosmetic training and experience.
In the UK, any registered dentist can legally perform cosmetic procedures. There’s no requirement for additional certification or training beyond basic dental school education. This means the dentist who’s primarily done extractions and fillings for twenty years can legally offer veneers, despite having minimal cosmetic experience.
Cosmetic dentistry is as much art as science. Creating natural-looking, beautiful results requires refined aesthetic judgement, advanced technical skills, and extensive hands-on experience—none of which are guaranteed simply by having a dental degree.
Ask specifically about:
At Kissdental, Dr Kailesh Solanki has completed extensive postgraduate training in both advanced restorative dentistry and aesthetic dentistry, including year-long courses in each discipline. Dr Khushal Morar, who focuses on cosmetic dentistry, was mentored by Dr Solanki and now lectures other cosmetic dentists through Kisscourses—a clear indication of recognised expertise. He’s quantified his experience by stating he has transformed over 1,000 smiles throughout his career.
Every cosmetic dentist’s website features stunning before-and-after photos. But whose results are you actually looking at?
Some practices display photos from training courses, stock images, or even results from other dentists. You need to see actual cases completed by the specific dentist who would treat you, ideally including cases similar to your own situation.
Ask to see:
Dr Morar’s artistic flair and experience with composite bonding, composite and porcelain veneers, and Invisalign mean Kissdental can show extensive portfolios of actual patient transformations across various treatments. His Instagram and the practice’s patient stories section feature real cases with genuine results.
No dentist can guarantee you’ll love your results—aesthetic preferences are subjective. But how they handle potential dissatisfaction reveals volumes about their approach to patient care.
Cosmetic dentistry involves permanent changes to your appearance. Understanding what recourse you have if results don’t meet your expectations is crucial before committing to treatment.
Dr Solanki’s practice philosophy centres on unparalleled patient care, which includes ensuring patients are genuinely satisfied with their results. His informal and relaxed approach extends to honest conversations about managing expectations and addressing any concerns that arise.
Modern technology allows dentists to create digital smile previews or use trial smiles to show patients what their results might look like. This visualisation is invaluable for ensuring you and your dentist share the same vision.
The smile you’re imagining might be quite different from what your dentist is planning. Seeing a preview—whether digital imaging, wax-up models, or trial mock-ups—ensures you’re both working towards the same goal before any irreversible work begins.
Ask whether the practice offers:
For Invisalign cases, Dr Omid Dashtgard uses 3D treatment planning software that shows patients exactly how their teeth will move and what their final smile will look like before treatment even begins. This “before you commit” preview is one of Invisalign’s most valuable features.
Every cosmetic treatment has limitations and potential complications. A trustworthy dentist discusses these honestly rather than painting an unrealistically rosy picture.
Informed consent requires understanding not just the benefits but also the risks, limitations, and potential downsides of any treatment. A dentist who only emphasises benefits while glossing over risks either doesn’t understand the treatment fully or isn’t being honest with you.
Honest discussion of:
Dr Morar’s role teaching other cosmetic dentists means he understands both the potential and limitations of treatments like composite bonding and veneers. His consultations include frank discussions about what’s realistic, potential challenges specific to your case, and what might go wrong—not to discourage treatment but to ensure genuine informed consent.
For treatments involving laboratory work—veneers, crowns, bridges, implant restorations—the technician creating your restoration is as important as the dentist placing it.
Your dentist might have excellent skills, but if they’re sending work to a low-quality laboratory using inferior materials and technicians with limited experience, your results will suffer. The best cosmetic results come from collaboration between skilled dentists and master technicians.
Kissdental works with master ceramicist Gary Jenkinson for porcelain veneers and crowns, ensuring restorations are crafted with meticulous attention to detail. For implant work, dental technician Steve Bradburn—who has over 20 years of experience and focuses specifically on Same-Day Teeth and All-on-4 procedures—works closely with Dr Solanki to create restorations that are both functional and beautiful. Steve even teaches other dentists and technicians, indicating his expertise is recognised industry-wide.
Complications can occur even with expertly performed treatment. Understanding how your dentist handles post-treatment problems is essential.
A veneer might chip. Bonding might become dislodged. Implants, whilst highly successful, occasionally fail. How your dentist responds to these situations—their availability, their willingness to address problems, and whether you’ll face unexpected costs—matters enormously to your long-term satisfaction and peace of mind.
Dr Solanki’s Dental Phobia Certification and his commitment to patient care extend beyond the treatment chair. The practice ensures patients know how to reach them if concerns arise and that problems are addressed promptly rather than dismissed.
If you experience dental anxiety—and many people do, particularly around cosmetic procedures involving significant changes—understanding how the practice supports nervous patients is crucial.
Dental anxiety can prevent people from seeking treatment they genuinely need or want. A practice experienced in treating anxious patients can make the difference between undergoing transformative treatment comfortably or avoiding it altogether due to fear.
Ask about:
Dr Solanki is Dental Phobia Certified and qualified to administer both oral and intravenous sedation, making comprehensive treatment accessible even for extremely anxious patients. His informal and relaxed approach has been specifically praised by both adults and children who find his manner reassuring. The entire Kissdental team is experienced in supporting nervous patients, with sedation options available across all clinic locations.
This question reveals your dentist’s aesthetic philosophy and helps ensure it aligns with your own vision.
Some cosmetic dentists favour creating uniformly perfect, ultra-white smiles that look somewhat artificial. Others prioritise natural-looking results that enhance your features whilst maintaining individuality. Neither approach is wrong, but you need to know which philosophy your dentist follows before committing to treatment.
Discussion of:
Dr Morar’s artistic flair centres on creating results that boost confidence whilst looking genuinely natural. His mentorship under Dr Solanki and his teaching role mean he understands the importance of results that enhance patients’ natural features rather than creating obviously artificial “veneer smiles” that scream cosmetic dentistry.
Understanding long-term maintenance requirements helps you evaluate whether you can realistically commit to caring for your new smile.
Cosmetic dental work requires ongoing care to maintain results and longevity. Some treatments need more maintenance than others, and failing to provide proper care can lead to premature failure, additional costs, or disappointing outcomes.
Clear information about:
Kissdental’s experienced hygienists—including Vicci Gallimore, who provides advanced tooth care, and Allyson Askew, who has been with the practice since its early days—provide specialised maintenance for cosmetic work. They understand how to care for veneers, bonding, and implants whilst keeping surrounding natural teeth and gums healthy.
For implant patients, Chloe Tatlock, who graduated in 2017 from the University of Liverpool and is trained to assist in implant procedures, provides comprehensive hygiene care that protects your investment.
After asking these ten questions at several practices, you’ll likely notice significant differences in the quality and honesty of responses. Trust your instincts:
At Kissdental, whether you visit the Manchester city centre, Liverpool, Alderley Edge, Knutsford, or Bury location, you’ll find a team committed to transparent communication and patient education. Dr Solanki’s vision when founding the practice in 2005 was to provide not just excellent dentistry but an unparalleled patient experience—and that begins with honest, thorough consultations where all your questions are answered.
Don’t choose your cosmetic dentist based solely on proximity, price, or slick marketing. This is your smile, your confidence, and potentially thousands of pounds. Ask these questions, evaluate the answers carefully, and trust your judgement about which practice demonstrates the expertise, ethics, and patient-centred approach that will deliver the results you deserve.
Book your free consultation at Kissdental today by calling 0161 871 9426. Come armed with these questions, and discover why patients across the North West trust Kissdental as “Manchester’s Amazing Smile Makers”—not because of marketing slogans, but because of genuine expertise, transparent communication, and a commitment to transforming smiles with care, skill, and integrity.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional dental advice. Every patient is different, and treatment outcomes vary. Please consult a qualified dental professional at Kissdental for advice specific to your situation. All treatments are carried out by GDC-registered dentists.
Reviewed by Dr Kailesh Solanki, Founder of Kissdental
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional dental advice. Every patient is different, and treatment outcomes vary. Please consult a qualified dental professional at Kissdental for advice specific to your situation. All treatments are carried out by GDC-registered dentists.
Reviewed by Dr Kailesh Solanki, Founder of Kissdental
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