As veneers decline in popularity, another subtle tooth transformation treatment is taking off
If Love Island has taught us anything over the years, it’s that trends in the villa move fast. Hair is getting shinier, fillers are getting slightly more subtle, and now, it seems, the era of the blindingly white, copy-and-paste smile veneer is coming to an end. In its place are straighter, brighter teeth that still look like them could just be real.
With the Love Island All Stars returning to our screens, every smile is being scrutinized and cosmetic dentists say the move away from veneers has started to take off for a while. Former islanders from Maura Higgins to Molly-Mae Hague and Georgia Harrison have opted for clear aligners (Invisalign) since leaving the show, signaling a move towards a more natural approach to cosmetic dentistry.
“Veneers absolutely still have their place and can be a fantastic option for the right patient,” says Dr Yasmin from London. Smiles and smiles. “What has changed is the look people are asking for.” Where once the goal was a uniform Hollywood-style smile, reality stars are now looking for something softer and believable. “The focus has shifted to an improved version of yourself, rather than a one-size-fits-all smile.”
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This subtlety matters when you’re filming from every angle, often in unforgiving HD. The biggest selling point of Invisalign is how discreet it is. Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are barely noticeable, meaning Islanders can flirt, laugh and sport iconic braces without their dental work stealing the spotlight. However, we imagine they choose to complete the treatment before filming begins. But, as Dr. Yasmin explains, you can “film, smile and talk confidently without anyone actually noticing you’re having treatment.”
There has also been a definite move away from super white teeth that scream ‘fresh from the dentist’. Patients still want brightness, but they want it to look real. Increasingly, dentists are seeing people opt for a custom combination of Invisalign, professional whitening, and fine edge bonding. Together, they straighten, brighten and refine without erasing individuality. The end result is polished, not plastic.
And while Invisalign isn’t instant, it’s faster than many people expect. “Most patients start to see changes within six to eight weeks, particularly in the front teeth,” says Dr. Yasmin. Even small tweaks can make a big difference to the camera, especially in close-ups. For those preparing for a big moment like filming, starting treatment early can pay off, even if it’s not fully completed.
Part of the appeal is the flexibility. Unlike veneers, which are a permanent bond, alignments and bonding can evolve over time. “They are conservative and adaptable,” explains Dr. Yasmin. “People want to look like themselves, just fresher and more confident.”
It reflects a wider celebrity shift away from dramatic makeovers and towards tweaks that are quietly uplifting. Modern cosmetic dentistry, like injectable treatments or skin treatments, is now about refinement, not reinvention.
At Smiles and Smiles, Invisible aligner treatments start from around £2,400depending on the complexity and usually lasting from three to 12 months, with many cosmetic cases at the shorter end. Add whitening or edge bonding and you’ve got a smile that looks villa-ready without ever shouting about the work behind it.
