A smile makeover without cutting
Straighten, whiten, then reshape with composite, so your natural teeth stay intact
Align, bleach, bond (often shortened to ABB) is a three-stage cosmetic sequence that straightens your teeth with clear aligners, whitens them with custom-fit trays at home, and then refines the shape and edges using tooth-coloured composite. It's usually suited to people with mild to moderate crowding, small chips, or worn edges who want a brighter, more even smile without drilling down healthy enamel. Not every case is ABB-suitable, which we will tell you honestly at consultation.
What to know
- Three stages in order: align first, then whiten, then bond.
- Keeps most of your natural enamel intact, unlike traditional veneers.
- Each stage is a decision point. You can stop at any time if you are happy.
- Whitening comes before bonding because composite can't be lightened once placed.
How ABB runs
Consultation and digital scan
We listen to what you want to change, examine your teeth and gums, and take a digital scan. You see a preview of the likely outcome before you commit.
Clear aligners
Custom, see-through trays worn day and night to gently move your teeth into a straighter position. We use more than one aligner system so we can match the right one to your case rather than defaulting to a single brand.
Retention check
Once your teeth are in the new position, we stabilise them with a retainer so the result holds before moving to the next stage.
Dentist-supervised home whitening
We make you custom-fit trays and show you how to use them at home over 2 to 3 weeks. You stay in control of the shade and we review progress.
Composite bonding
In a single appointment, we place tooth-coloured composite onto your front teeth to refine edges, close small gaps, or rebuild worn tips. A rubber dam (a thin barrier that keeps the tooth dry) is used so the bond holds properly.
Final polish and review
We polish the composite to a natural finish and review everything a few weeks later.
Why ABB instead of veneers?
Veneers are often marketed as the answer to a smile makeover, but they usually involve permanently removing a layer of healthy enamel. Align, bleach, bond takes a different route. By straightening first, we reduce how much reshaping the teeth actually need. Whitening handles the colour. Composite then does only the small cosmetic detailing that is left. For the right case, that means keeping your natural teeth, a lower total cost than porcelain veneers, and a sequence where each stage is adjustable before you move to the next. It isn't the right answer for every smile, and we'll say so if it isn't yours.
What this looks like in practice
Keep your enamel
No drilling down healthy tooth structure to fit porcelain.
Staged and adjustable
Stop after aligners, or after whitening, if you are already happy.
Matched to your shade
Bonding is colour-matched to your whitened teeth, not the other way round.
Digital from day one
A quick digital scan replaces messy putty impressions on every case.
Planned around your life
Aligners are removable for eating and photos. Whitening is done at home on your schedule.
Real Results
A selection of finished cases from the practice.
Aligners + Whitening + Bonding
Three-stage transformation for a perfect smile.
Edge Bonding
Precise edge bonding for symmetry and gap closure.
Aligners + Whitening + Bonding + Edge Bonding
Natural-looking transformation with aligners, whitening and edge bonding across six teeth.
Composite Bonding
Reshaping and improving tooth colour with layered composite.
Aligners + Whitening + Bonding + Edge Bonding
Comprehensive treatment combining alignment, whitening, bonding and edge bonding on four teeth.
Composite Veneers
Bespoke composite veneers shaped to suit the face.
Aligners + Whitening
Straightening and brightening in one treatment plan.
Aligners + Whitening
Clear aligner treatment with whitening for a brighter smile.
Aligners + Whitening + Bonding
Multi-stage smile makeover.
Aligners + Whitening
Alignment and brightness improvement together.
Aligners + Whitening + Bonding + Edge Bonding
Full smile makeover with aligners, whitening, bonding and edge bonding on four teeth.
Aligners for Bite Correction
Correcting an underbite and addressing tooth wear with clear aligners.
Whitening + Bonding
Professional whitening combined with composite bonding for a brighter, refined smile.
Bright White Composite Veneers
Eight bright white composite veneers for a striking smile transformation.
Aligners + Whitening + Bonding
Comprehensive treatment combining multiple techniques.
Aligners + Whitening
Alignment correction with whitening enhancement.
Aligners + Whitening + Bridge Replacement
Closing spaces with aligners, whitening, and replacing an old bridge.
Composite Veneers
Hand-layered composite veneers for natural aesthetics.
Aligners + Whitening
Comprehensive smile transformation with aligners and whitening.
Whitening + Composite Veneers
Whitening combined with composite veneers for dramatic improvement.
Clear Aligners
Invisalign treatment for improved alignment.
Bright White Composite Veneers
Eight bright white composite veneers for a bold, radiant smile.
Aligners + Whitening
Clear aligners combined with professional whitening.
Edge Bonding
Subtle edge bonding for improved tooth proportions.
Aligners + Edge Bonding
Clear aligners followed by edge bonding for final refinement.
Clear Aligners
Straightening teeth with Invisalign clear aligners.
Aligners + Whitening + Bonding + Ceramic Veneers
Complete transformation with aligners, whitening, bonding and premium ceramic veneers.
Composite Veneer Replacement
Replacing old composite veneers with fresh, natural-looking ones.
Aligners + Whitening
Before and after alignment with whitening treatment.
Composite Bonding
Natural-looking composite bonding for seamless results.
Composite Veneers
Full set of composite veneers for smile transformation.
Aligners + Whitening + Bonding
Complete smile makeover: alignment, whitening, and bonding.
Composite Veneers for Worn Teeth
Before and after composite veneers restoring worn teeth.
Aligners + Whitening
Step-by-step alignment with whitening enhancement.
Aligners + Whitening + Edge Bonding
Alignment, brightening, and edge bonding for shape refinement.
Aligners + Bonding
Clear aligners followed by composite bonding for a complete smile transformation.
Edge Bonding
Closing gaps and improving tooth shape with edge bonding.
Aligners for Bite Correction
Step-by-step correction of underbite and worn teeth.
Aligners + Whitening + Bonding
Combined treatment for comprehensive smile improvement.
Aligners + Whitening + Bonding
Full smile transformation with aligners, whitening, and bonding.
Aligners + Whitening
Clear aligners with professional whitening treatment.
Aligners + Whitening
Invisalign combined with home whitening trays.
Edge Bonding
Using edge bonding to close gaps and disguise missing teeth.
Edge Bonding
Edge bonding to refine tooth shape and close small gaps.
Composite Veneers for Worn Teeth
Step-by-step composite veneer restoration for severely worn teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a cosmetic sequence that straightens your teeth with clear aligners, whitens them with custom-fit home trays, and then reshapes the edges with tooth-coloured composite. The three steps are done in that order on purpose.
Related treatments
Treatment is delivered by Dr Tristan Tinn, dentist in Kendal, at Crossbank Dental Care on Captain French Lane, a short walk from the Market Place.
Book Your Consultation
Ready to start your a smile makeover without cutting journey? Get in touch to arrange your consultation.
Get In Touch
Phone
01539 319170Location
Crossbank Dental Care
10 Captain French Lane
Kendal, LA9 4HP