Frequently Asked Questions

Please see below for some of our frequently asked questions. 
Should your question not be covered below, please fill out a contact form here or send us an email.

General Dental FAQs

Are you currently accepting new dental patients?
Yes, Dr Pippa is currently accepting new patients at her Wimpole Street location


Are you currently accepting new injectables patients?

Yes, Dr Pippa is currently accepting new patients at her Clapham Junction location. 


Do you offer NHS dentistry?
No, our clinics are private only.


What is your cancellation policy?

Should you be unable to attend your dental appointment, you must let us know at least 48 hours before your appointment, otherwise you will lose any deposit monies paid.


What is a treatment estimate?

Written estimates are provided for all planned treatments and the fees remain valid over the whole period of treatment provided it is commenced within 3 months of the date of the estimate. Every effort is made to give cost estimates which are as accurate as possible based on the information available to us at the consultation or treatment planning appointments. Treatment plans and associated cost estimates may need to be reviewed should your treatment plan change. You will be advised of any additional items needed to be added to the course of treatment and any additional fees which will be applied at the fee rate at the time of adjustment.


What are your payment terms?

Fees for new patient examinations, direct hygiene appointments, emergency appointments, consultations and discounted package deals are to be paid upfront at the time of booking. Where fees are not required upfront a deposit of £ 199 or more will be taken. Should you fail to attend an appointment or cancel less than 48 hours prior to your appointment, you will be charged a late cancellation fee of £ 199 or you will lose your deposit, whichever amount is higher. A new deposit will be required to book any further appointments.

For longer courses of treatment, fees may be spread into instalments over the duration of the treatment time in some circumstances, with the final balance due on the agreed day of completion of the treatment. The instalments amounts and dates due will be agreed with your practitioner prior to any appointments being booked. Any variation of payment terms can only be agreed prior to commencement of the treatment.

Any bookings for discounted package deals will require upfront payment. Should you fail to attend or cancel your appointment less than 48 hours prior, you will be charged a late cancellation fee of £ 199. Should you be deemed unsuitable for treatment at your first appointment, a fee of £ 199 will be retained by the practice, however the remaining cost of the package deal will be refunded to you.

If any account, whether interim or final, and in relation to any type of work remains unpaid for 30 days, we shall be entitled to charge interest on the amount outstanding from the date of the invoice at 2% per calendar month.

We have the facility to accept payment by credit or debit card and direct bank transfer (BACS). Unforunately we are not accepting cash at this time.


What if I am running late to my appointment?

Please notify us as soon as you are aware that you will be running late. We will always endeavour to fit you in, where possible, but should you be more than 10 minutes late for your appointment, it may have to be rescheduled or we may not be able to complete all treatment.


What is the nearest tube station?

Our surgery is well located between 5 tube stations (Bond Street, Oxford Circus, Baker Street, Regent's Park, Great Portland Street) which are all around a 10 minute walk away.


Is there parking available nearby?

There are a number of designated car park facilities nearby, including NCP's and Q-Park. There is also pay & display street parking locally.


What should I do if I have a complaint?

Should you have any complaints, we would ask that you please send an email or fill out a contact form outlining your complaints and any issues that you wish to address. However, you can also make your complaint by telephone or in person should that be easier for you. We take all complaints very seriously and will endeavour to reply to you within 72 hours.

Composite Bonding FAQs

What is direct composite bonding?

Also known as a 'direct composite veneers', composite bonding involves the sticking of a white resin material (composite) directly onto your natural teeth. This bonding process allows us to improve your smile, by making your teeth look straighter, whiter and more even. As we are sticking onto the natural teeth, we are somewhat limited as to what can be achieved. We cannot change at what height your teeth come out of the gums and we cannot change the width of your teeth (unless there are gaps between the teeth). If you have some teeth set behind others, then they may take on the appearance of looking slightly thinner than your other teeth. 

The benefit of composite bonding instead of traditional veneers is that as the composite is stuck on, there is no destruction or drilling of your natural tooth. With traditional porcelain veneers, a lot of drilling of the healthy tooth is required, which will reduce the lifespan of the teeth and increase the risk that the drilled teeth could flare up and need a root canal treatment or extraction in the future. 


Am I suitable for composite bonding?
You must be 'dentally fit' before you can undergo any cosmetic treatment. This means that you cannot have any active disease in your mouth, including gum disease or cavities. This is why we offer you a full new patient examination and hygiene appointment as part of your treatment. If you do have any active disease or issues, you will be required to have these treated before continuing on with your composite bonding. Any treatments required can either be carried out at our clinic, or with your normal dentist. Should we find that you are not suitable for composite bonding, we will refund the cost of your composite bonding treatment, minus the standard cost of a check-up and hygiene appointment (£ 199), as this will have already been completed. 


How long does composite bonding last?

As with all things in dentistry, even porcelain veneers, composite bonding does not last forever. On average, we can hope to get around 8 - 10 years longevity from your composite bonding, however, this is highly dependent on how well you look after the composites and whether you have any clenching or grinding habits. Over time the composites can stain, chip, wear or break off. You must avoid biting into anything hard with the composite covered teeth and you should avoid smoking, as well as staining foods and drinks (such as tea, coffee, red wine and curry). If you brush well and floss meticulously, as well as ensuring that you attend for regular check ups and hygiene appointments AND avoid too many staining foods and drinks, then your composites should last relatively well. However, if you clench or grind your teeth, don't look after your mouth well, eat/drink a lot of staining foods, or smoke, then your composites will not last as long. For any patients who clench or grind their teeth, a nightguard MUST be worn every single night after treatment. 


What happens if my composite bonding breaks off or chips?

Should your composite bonding chip or break it can be repaired relatively easily either at our clinic, or by your own dentist, however there is a good chance that your dentist may not have the correct colour match of composite to repair it adequately. Should you require one repair, replacement or adjustment appointment within the first year after your composite bonding, this will be included free of charge. For any subsequent repair appointments, or for any repairs required more than 1 year after your initial treatment, this will incur a further cost. Any subsequent appointments will be charged at £199 per hour.


Why should I choose composite bonding over porcelain veneers? 
Composite bonding is a quick and easy solution that can be placed in just one appointment. Composite bonding does not damage the natural teeth, whereas porcelain require drilling and destruction of the natural teeth. Composites can also be removed, repaired or replaced with ease at any stage, whereas porcelain veneers cannot be reliably repaired and are much more tricky and expensive to replace. Whilst poreclain veneers will likely last you a lot longer, the damage to the tooth means that the tooth itself will not last as long, and we want to keep our teeth sound and healthy for as long as possible. Composite bonding is also a much cheaper option and it is very easy to adjust and reshape to make sure that you are completely happy with your result. 


How many appointments will my treatment take?

For best results, we recommend spacing your treatment over 4 appointments. During your first appointment we will carry out a full mouth assessment and new patient examination, as well as a hygiene appointment to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy before bonding. We will also take impressions of your teeth to make custom fitted bleaching trays. At your second appointment we will fit your custom bleaching trays, as well as show you how best to use the whitening gels. We will send you home with your trays, whitening gels and instructions for use, as 'at-home' bleaching produces the best and longest-lasting results. We recommend whitening the teeth for about 2 weeks on average, and then waiting another 2 weeks before starting your composite bonding, as bonding too soon after bleaching can affect the bond strength. Your third appointment will be composite bonding of the top teeth and your final appointment will be composite bonding of the bottom teeth. 


I am travelling from far away, can I have my treatment in less appointments?

Yes, absolutely. If you have had a check-up and hygiene appointment with your regular dentist within the last month, then we can skip this step. However, you will need to request your notes and x-rays from these appointments and forward them to us well in advance of your first appointment. You can also have whitening provided by your own dentist. Alternatively, we do not need to carry out whitening treatment, however this will lead to a compromised cosmetic outcome, as composite is somewhat translucent, so the final colour will not be as bright or white as you may wish, as some of the natural tooth will show through. We can also complete all of your composite bonding in one session; top teeth and bottom teeth at the same time. However, we recommend that it is best to bond the top teeth first and spend some time getting used to them before returning for the bottom teeth, as we can then make any adjustments or alterations to the top teeth that you may desire.


How long will my appointments be?

Your initial new patient examination and hygiene appointment will be around 90 minutes. Your second appointment, where we fit your bleaching trays, will take around 20 minutes. Each composite bonding appointment will be around 3 hours long. Should you wish to have your bonding completed in one long appointment, this will be around 5 to 6 hours. 


What should I expect after my appointment?

Your teeth and mouth will feel different straight after your bonding appointments. Your teeth will feel thicker and possibly longer, however your mouth will adapt to this very quickly, and things will feel completely normal again after a week or two. It may feel quite different when you bite together as well; it may feel like your front teeth are touching but your back teeth are not. However, most people will find that their back teeth move around over the next couple months until your bite feels normal again. It can also be quite shocking to see yourself for the first time after your composite bonding is placed, as you are so used to how you look with your natural teeth.

It can take a week or two before you are completely used to your new teeth, both with how they look and feel. But if after a couple weeks there are any adjustments or alterations that you would like to make to improve the outcome in your eyes, we can absolutely get you booked in for this at no extra cost. 


What is the cost of repairing a chipped/broken composite?

Should you require one repair, replacement or adjustment appointment within the first year after your composite bonding, this will be included free of charge. For any subsequent repair appointments or for any repairs required more than 1 year after treatment, this will incur a further cost, as this will only be required if the composites have not been adequately cared for. An appointment for a single composite repair or adjustment will cost £ 199 per hour. 


Will the results be perfect?

No. Compared to porcelain veneers, the results of direct composite bonding are not perfect. If you are looking at the composites in the mirror only a few inches away then you will be able to see small discrepancies, but for someone standing a few feet away your smile will positively shine! It is important to note that the results of composite bonding are very much dependent on the skill of your dentist, so make sure you ask to see some of the work done previously by your dentist before you go ahead with treatment.


What can I do to look after my composites?

You must avoid biting into anything hard with the composite covered teeth as this can lead to chipping or breaking of the composites. 

You must avoid anything that can stain the composites. This particularly includes smoking, as well as staining foods and drinks, such as tea, coffee, red wine and curry. If you do have any staining drinks then it is recommended that you drink them through a straw.

You must ensure that you are looking after your mouth well, which includes brushing well and flossing meticulously, as well as ensuring that you attend your dentist (or our clinic) for regular check-ups and hygiene appointments.

If you clench or grind your teeth, you MUST wear a nightugard every single night after treatment. If you are also aware of clenching or grinding your teeth during the day, it is recommended that you also wear a clear retainer during the day. You can have a nightguard or a clear retainer made by us or by your regular dentist.


How much does composite bonding cost?

The cost depends on how many teeth you are having treated. The price per tooth is £ 249, however if you are wanting a full smile makeover, we would recommend treating the top 8 and bottom 8 teeth, which costs £ 3,799 as a package deal. Within this cost includes a new patient examination, a hygiene appointment, whitening treatment and your composite bonding. For a full list of prices please see our dental prices page.


I want to book an appointment, what do I do?

If you are interested in booking in for composite bonding, the first step is to arrange a brief telephone consultation with us. During our chat, we will discuss composite bonding in more detail and assess whether you are that you are a suitable candidate for treatment. We will then take some further details from you and send over some forms to fill out. From there we can get you booked in for your first appointment!

If you wish to book in for a telephone consultation, please complete our contact form and we will be in touch with you shortly. Alternatively, send us a DM via Instagram.

Invisalign FAQs

What is Invisalign treatment?

Invisalign allows you to transform your smile discreetly and comfortably with virtually-invisible, removable aligners. The aligners are used to straighten your teeth more quickly than traditional braces.


Why should I choose Invisalign?

Invisalign clear aligners straighten teeth more predictably and comfortably than other aligners and braces. Treatment is very discreet, as the removable retainers are completely clear and can barely be seen when you are wearing them. Invisalign clear aligners fit into your life — they don’t interrupt it. And at every stage, you’ll be able to see your progress and enjoy your smile as it transforms. 


How long will my treatment take?

Treatment lengths vary, depending on how much movement your teeth require. Whilst most treatments will take between 6 to 18 months, this could be longer.


What is included in the cost of Invisalign treatment?

As part of the cost, whitening and retainers will be provided at the end of your treatment. Once aligned, your teeth will require life-long retention, so you must continue to wear your retainers. Even though your teeth will be straight after treatment, you may still require further composite edge bonding to achieve the perfect smile, which will be at an additional cost. However, should this be required, we will discuss this with you at your very first consultation or assessment appointment.


What is the Invisalign Assessment?

If you are interested in straightening your teeth, we will book you in for an Invisalign Assessment appointment. During your appointment, we will assess your teeth and the misalignment present, and we will take photographs, x-rays and impressions of your teeth. This information will be analysed, from which we will create a personalised treatment plan, including how long we estimate your treatment will take and how much the treatment will cost. An Invisalign Assessment appointment costs £ 399, however should you decide to go ahead with treatment, the cost of the assessment appointment will be deducted from the total treatment cost. 


What should I expect at my first and second Invisalign fit appointment?

When we bring you in for your first invisalign fit appointment, we will check the fit of your first aligners and ensure that you are able to get the aligners in and out yourself. They will feel quite tight at first, but after a week or two they will be very easy to pop in and out without effort.

At your second appointment, we will need to put some small dots of tooth coloured material on some of your teeth. These act as anchors to help your teeth move during your treatment. They are matched to the same shade as your teeth, so they are hardly visible. In most cases, we also need to create some space between the teeth so that we can reduce crowding of the teeth when we align them. This means that we usually have to remove a very small amount of enamel between the teeth. This is called IPR - interproximal reduction. This is achieved by rubbing a metal strip against the tooth to rub away very small amounts of enamel, usually around 0.2mm to 0.4mm of enamel. When we have finished all our additions and reductions, we will check the fit of your next set of aligners and ensure that you can put them in and take them out. We will also give you a few more sets of aligners so that you are able to continue your treatment at home without regular appointments. Should you have any problems or questions you can always come in for a review appointment. 

After your first or second appointment, you may find that you get some ulcers in your mouth over the next few days. This is just because the aligners are new, and this will settle down very quickly. If you do have any ulcers, ensure you are rinsing your mouth with warm salt water and avoiding any foods that are too spicy or acidic. 


How often do I have to wear my Invisalign aligners?

You should wear your aligners for a minimum of 20 hours a day. Basically, you should only ever take out your aligners if you are eating, drinking something other than water or playing sport. 


How long does each set of Invisalign aligners last for?

We recommend wearing each set of aligners for 2 weeks. They will usually feel very tight when you first put then in, but over the next week or two they will become much looser. You must wear each set of aligners for a minimum of 1 week. If your aligners feel very loose after 1 week of wearing, you can move onto your next set of aligners. If your aligners still do not feel loose after 2 weeks of wearing them, you should still try in your next aligners. If they fit, then continue with them for 1 or more weeks. If you cannot fit your next aligners in, then continue to wear your current aligners for another week before trying the next aligners again. 


Can I eat with my Invisalign aligners in?

No. If you eat with your Invisalign aligners in then they could break. You must take your aligners out any time that you eat or drink anything, other than water. Before putting your aligners back in, you should thoroughly brush your teeth and floss or clean between them as well. Broken aligners cost £30 to replace.


Can I play sport with my Invisalign aligners in?

No. If you play sport with your Invisalign aligners in then you may break your aligners. Broken aligners cost £30 to replace.


What happens if I lose or break my aligners?

Should you lose your aligners, you can try to move onto your next set of aligners, however this is not always possible, and you may be required to replace your lost or broken aligners for £30. 


Do I have to wear retainers after treatment?

YES! Once you straighten your teeth, they require life-long retention. For the first 6 months after Invisalign treatment, we recommend wearing your retainers for at least 20 hours a day, just like you did with your aligners. After those first 6 months, you can go to wearing your retainers at night only, but you must wear them every night for another 6 months. From 12 months after treatment, you can go to wearing your retainers only 3 or 4 nights per week, however you have to keep wearing your retainers for 3 to 4 nights per week for the rest of your life. Should you stop wearing your retainers, your teeth could relapse at any stage and become misaligned again.



Facial Aesthetics FAQs

Are you currently accepting new cosmetic injectables patients?

Yes, Dr Pippa is currently accepting new patients at her Clapham Junction location. 


What is your cancellation policy?

Should you be unable to attend your aesthetic appointment, you must let us know at least 48 hours before your appointment, otherwise you will lose any deposit monies paid.


Do you offer a free consultation?

Yes, Dr Pippa offers a free virtual consultation, where you can discuss your concerns and will then be recommended what treatments are best suited to your needs. Should you wish to book in for treatment, Dr Pippa will revisit these discussions face-to-face before carrying out any treatment. 


Do you take a deposit?
Yes. Should you wish to book in for treatment a £50 deposit will be taken to secure your booking. This £50 will come off the total cost of your treatment, however, should you fail to attend your appointment or should you cancel less than 48 hours before you appointment, then this deposit will be retained. 


What brand of Botulinum Toxin do you use?

Dr Pippa uses Bocouture® and Botox® for her botulinum toxin treatments.


What brand of Fillers do you use?

Dr Pippa uses a combination between Belotero®, Teoxane® and Juvéderm® for her filler treatments.


Does Dr Pippa offer Profhilo and Sunekos treatments?

Yes, absolutely! If you are interested in either of these treatment, please fill out our contact form.


How long does botulinum toxin last for?

On average, botulinum toxin treatments will last for around 3 months, however every person metabolises the toxin at different rates, so for some people the treatment will not last as long and for others it may last longer. Areas that require only a very small dose of toxin may have reduced longevity (e.g. lip flip, gummy smile, chin, DAOs), and areas that use a much higher dose of toxin often have extended longevity (e.g. neck, masseters, underarms). 


How long do fillers last for?

Depending on the thickness and type of product used, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers last between 3 to 24 months. Areas that require a soft malleable filler, such as fine lines, lips or nasolabial folds, will often last between 3 - 9 months, depending on the product used. Areas that use a thicker filler, such as cheeks, chin, jawline, will often last 12 - 24 months, depending on the product used.


Am I suitable for cosmetic injectables treatments?

During your consultation Dr Pippa will ask you questions about your general health, medications and medical conditions. Botulinum toxin treatments are contraindicated in people with neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis, those who are taking certain muscle relaxants and antibiotics such as aminoglycosides, pregnant or breast feeding women, those with infection or inflammation at the proposed site of injections and bleeding disorders. Dermal fillers are contraindicated in people who are pregnant or breast feeding, those with infection or inflammation at the proposed site of injections, those with known allergy/hypersensitivity to lidocaine anaesthetic and bleeding disorders.

Should you have a medical condition or be taking medication that causes immunosuppresion, then a letter from your consultant will be required before any treatment can be undertaken. 


What about fillers and the COVID-19 vaccine?

It has been found that in very rare cases, people who have had vaccinations for COVID-19, or those who have had COVID-19 infection have experienced delayed onset reactions (inflammation, swelling, redness, hypersensitivity, nodules) to areas that have previously been treated with dermal fillers. Whilst these reactions are extremely rare and are usually mild and self-limiting, Dr Pippa is following the ACE Group guidelines that recommend no dermal filler treatments for 2 weeks prior to a COVID-19 vaccination, or for 3 weeks after a COVID-19 vaccination. It is also recommended that botulinum toxin treatments are not carried out for a week before or after a COVID-19 vaccination. 


What should I do if I have a complaint?

Should you have any complaints, we would ask that you please send an email or fill out a contact form outlining your complaints and any issues that you wish to address. However, you can also make your complaint by telephone or in person should that be easier for you. We take all complaints very seriously and will endeavour to reply to you within 72 hours.

COVID-19 FAQs

What safeguards are in place to protect me when I attend for my appointment?

When you arrive for your appointment your temperature will be taken. You will also be asked to fill out a COVID-19 screening questionnaire to ensure that you are able to have your appointment that day. During your appointment, Dr Pippa and any other support staff will be wearing full PPE to reduce the risk of infection. Please ensure that you wear a mask to your appointment and that you keep this on at all times, were appropriate. 


When should I not attend for my appointment?

If you, or anyone in your household, have any symptoms of Covid-19 (new continuous cough, high temperature or loss of taste and smell) then please do not attend your appointment. Please ensure that you follow the current UK government guidelines with regards to self-isolation and testing. Should you be in the 'extremely vulnerable' category, please do not schedule any non-emergency appointments until the government has advised that it is safe to do so. 


What about dermal fillers and the COVID-19 vaccine?

It has been found that in very rare cases, people who have had vaccinations for COVID-19, or those who have had COVID-19 infection have experienced delayed onset reactions (inflammation, swelling, redness, hypersensitivity, nodules) to areas that have previously been treated with dermal fillers. Whilst these reactions are extremely rare and are usually mild and self-limiting, Dr Pippa is following the ACE Group guidelines that recommend no dermal filler treatments for 2 weeks prior to a COVID-19 vaccination, or for 3 weeks after a COVID-19 vaccination. It is also recommended that botulinum toxin treatments are not carried out for a week before or after a COVID-19 vaccination.