Keen to give your smile an upgrade but don’t want to look like you’ve got a whole new set of teeth? DR MATTHEW WONG, Principal Dentist and Clinical Director at Elements Dental, a dental clinic in Bukit Timah, has spent years helping patients improve their smiles with a gentle, conservative approach to aesthetic dentistry. Here, he shares with us why techniques like minimal prep veneers and carefully calibrated teeth whitening in Singapore are worth considering if a natural looking smile is what you’re after.
A shift in aesthetic dentistry
“As patients are more knowledgeable and aware of their options, we’re seeing a clear shift in aesthetic dentistry from the ultra-bright, uniform Hollywood smile towards a more natural, refined look,” Dr Wong tells us. He notes that patients today want to enhance their appearance without looking too obvious. “This shift reflects broader lifestyle and aesthetic trends where authenticity and subtlety are valued. People want their teeth to look healthy, youthful and natural, not artificial.”
This has lent to a change in the types of dental treatments patients are asking for at his Bukit Timah dental clinic these days as well. “There is definitely a greater focus on improvements that look effortless, for example brighter teeth, minor corrections and small or subtle refinements that make an overall more balanced smile.”
How to improve your smile with subtle aesthetic dental treatments: 5 things to keep in mind
#1 Swap traditional veneers for minimal prep veneers
Dr Wong explains that, while traditional veneers often require removing a thin layer of tooth enamel, minimal prep veneers are ultra-thin porcelain shells that require minimal reduction of the natural tooth surface. Because they preserve most of the tooth structure, they blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth and reflect light similarly to natural enamel. “If suitable, this can be the ideal solution for patients seeking to improve their smiles or correct minor imperfections while keeping their teeth looking natural.”
#2 Teeth whitening in Singapore – whiter isn’t always better
“When determining the right shade for a patient’s teeth, skin tone, lip colour and the shade of neighbouring teeth are some factors we consider,” says Dr Wong. “The goal isn’t simply the brightest white, but rather, a shade that enhances your overall appearance.” Teeth whitening treatments at Elements Dental in Singapore are carefully calibrated to achieve noticeable but balanced results, and Dr Wong and his team review the progress together with patients to ensure the final colour still looks natural under different lighting and make minor adjustments to the protocol if necessary.
#3 Consider gentle teeth reshaping
Gentle reshaping or contouring involves carefully smoothing and rebalancing the edges of teeth to improve symmetry and proportion. According to Dr Wong, this is a conservative, pain-free way to create a more even and polished smile without major procedures. “With this technique, slightly uneven or chipped teeth can be refined in just one visit, giving a refreshed, neater appearance that still feels completely natural, without affecting the function of the tooth.”
#4 Choose a dentist who understands facial aesthetics
“We cannot stress enough the importance of finding a clinic and dental professional that takes time to understand your goals and explains the options clearly,” says Dr Wong. “At Elements Dental, our team are all educators. We take time to explain what is the root cause of the disharmony, how this could be detrimental to your smile and your overall health if left untreated, and transparently lay out all the possible options to manage the issue.”
Dr Wong considers aesthetic dentistry to be both a science and an art, and experience and attention to detail matter. He believes that every patient should feel confident that your dentist understands facial aesthetics and takes a conservative approach to preserve your natural teeth wherever possible.
#5 Don’t just think short term
One common but major mistake Dr Wong sees patients making is choosing treatments that focus too much on short-term aesthetics without considering long-term health and function. “Over-aggressive tooth reduction or poorly fitted restorations can lead to sensitivity or bite issues later on,” he says. “We always emphasise minimally invasive approaches that protect your teeth and gums while achieving beautiful, long-lasting results.”
Dr Wong’s approach to aesthetic dentistry at the Elements Dental clinic in Bukit Timah
According to Dr Wong, understanding the patient’s goal is the most important first step. “We take time to understand what they hope to achieve and design a treatment plan that fits – whether it’s whitening, veneers or gentle contouring,” he explains. “Every smile is different, so we tailor the treatment to each patient’s facial proportions, natural tooth characteristics and budget.”
Dr Wong’s practice is also guided by a strong focus on function. As a Kois Centre graduate, he uses a structured, evidence-based method to assess how the teeth, bite, jaw joints and facial patterns work together. “This approach helps us design enhancements that not only look natural but also feel comfortable and last well over time.”
“At the end of the day, patients want something that looks good and functions well in their mouth when they talk or chew,” Dr Wong adds. “Our team is trained to ensure that any improvements blend beautifully and work reliably in everyday life.”
About this dentist in Singapore
Dr Matthew Wong is the Principal Dentist and Clinical Director at Elements Dental in Bukit Timah. Currently serving as the President for the College of General Dental Practitioners Singapore (CGDP), he has a focus on digital dentistry and functional aesthetics. He is also the first dentist in Southeast Asia to graduate from the prestigious Kois Center in Seattle, Washington.
Elements Dental
895 Bukit Timah Road
FB @ElementsDentalSG | IG @elementsdentalsg
6463 2830 | elementsdental.com.sg
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