By Dr Elena Rowan · 12 May 2026 · 6 min read
"Minimally invasive" has become a marketing phrase. At Solene it is a rule: we add before we subtract, and we reach for the drill last, not first.
Why enamel matters
Enamel is the hardest substance your body makes, and once it is gone it does not grow back. Traditional cosmetic dentistry often removed healthy enamel to make room for crowns and veneers. Additive dentistry flips that: we build up with tooth-coloured composite and ultra-thin porcelain, keeping your own tooth doing its job underneath.
The order we work in
For most smiles, the conservative sequence is the same:
- Align the teeth with clear aligners, so there is less to disguise.
- Whiten, so the base shade is bright and we add less.
- Add the smallest amount of bonding or porcelain to finish.
Done in that order, a smile makeover often needs a fraction of the veneers it would have taken if we had jumped straight to covering everything.
How to spot the real thing
Ask any clinic three questions: Will you remove any healthy tooth? Can I see the plan before you start? What is the most conservative option that would work? A clinic that believes in minimally invasive dentistry will have clear, comfortable answers. Read about our additive method.
This article is general information, not personal dental advice. Book a consultation to discuss your own smile.
