Maura Higgins, Molly-Mae Hague, and Maya Jama all chose clear braces over veneers. This choice signals a major shift in what the ‘Love Island smile’ actually looks like.
Love Island’s impact on cosmetic dentistry has been undeniable, with over 80% of UK dentists reporting an increase in aesthetic procedures following the show’s popularity. But the treatment everyone’s asking for has fundamentally changed.
The original ‘Love Island smile’ was unmistakable: bright white veneers that delivered instant, dramatic transformation. For years, veneers were the go-to treatment for reality stars wanting camera-ready teeth.
Veneers remain an excellent treatment option. They’re durable, long-lasting, and perfect for correcting significant cosmetic issues like chips, gaps, or severe discolouration. They deliver instant results that aligners simply can’t achieve for certain cases.
But as Love Island grew in popularity, so did the prevalence of veneers. The look became increasingly recognisable, and that recognition turned into a problem.
Like any trend, what was once desirable eventually changed. Veneers began to carry a stigma. They became associated with being too showy, too obviously “done.”
When Love Island stars like Maya Jama and Molly-Mae began choosing clear braces instead of veneers, they set a new standard. The ‘Love Island smile’ evolved from “look at my perfect teeth” to “you can’t really tell I had work done but my teeth look amazing.”
The clear aligner market is growing at 15% annually and expected to more than double by 2030. That growth isn’t random: it reflects a genuine shift in what people actually want from aesthetic dental treatment.
The most photographed faces in British reality television now choose treatments that nobody notices. The original ‘Love Island smile’ went from being a status symbol to something to avoid.
That shift tells us everything about how cosmetic dentistry is changing: from dramatic transformation to discreet improvement. From “look what I did” to “I just look like myself, but better.”
Veneers still have their place for the right cases. But the cultural preference has become clear: people want results that enhance rather than announce.
At Sale Dental Spa, we see this pattern constantly. Someone books an Invisalign consultation and admits, “I’ve been thinking about straightening my teeth for three years.”
Three years of mental energy. Three years of covering their mouth when they laugh. Three years of strategic photo angles and closed-lip smiles.
All that worry spent on something that often takes just six months to fix.
We use advanced iTero Lumina 3D scanning technology at our Sale practice. Not to be fancy with tech, but because visual clarity matters when you’re considering orthodontic treatment.
When someone sees that crystal-clear 3D rendering of their mouth for the first time, something shifts. The reaction is almost always the same:
“Wow… are they really that bad?”
That’s when the denial stops. You can see it with your own eyes. The path forward suddenly looks clear, and the question changes from “should I?” to “when can I start?”
The biggest hurdle we see isn’t the treatment timeline. Most Invisalign teeth straightening cases finish in 6 to 12 months. By summer 2026, you could have addressed something you’ve been putting off for years.
The real hurdle is permission.
Giving yourself permission to invest in your own confidence. Permission to prioritise something that might feel superficial but actually changes how you move through the world.
Being comfortable in your own skin isn’t vanity. It changes how you walk into a room, how you interact in meetings, how freely you laugh with friends. We’ve watched this transformation happen hundreds of times over our 20+ years as Platinum Invisalign providers in Sale.
We’re holding a special Invisalign Open Day at our Sale Dental Spa to make this decision easier.
It’s not a high-pressure sales environment. It’s a relaxed atmosphere with cake, refreshments, and genuine conversation. You’ll meet our experienced team, see exactly what your smile could look like with our 3D scanner, and get all your questions answered by professionals who genuinely care about your outcome.
What’s Included:
We only have 10 slots available. If you book now and start treatment soon after, you could be finished before the summer holidays begin.
Think about the photos you’ll take this year. Weddings. Graduations. Milestone birthday celebrations. These aren’t just pictures: they’re the memories you’ll revisit for the rest of your life.
If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth for months or years, 2026 could be the year you finally give yourself permission to smile without holding back.
Call Sale Dental Spa today to book your spot at our Invisalign Open Day on 21st February. Spaces are limited, and this is your chance to see what’s actually possible before those important moments arrive.
Ready to see what your smile could look like? Contact Sale Dental Spa or book your Invisalign consultation online today.
BACK TO BLOGTo speak with a member of our team to arrange or cancel an appointment or to make an enquiry as a new or existing patient, please get in touch.
The gang gives some tips… Small changes can make a huge difference 🙌
He’s been carrying it around with him the whole month 🤦♂️ 😂
#fyp
Dr Aisha said less pandas, more info and for me to take off those sunglasses 😎
DM for more info and to claim one of the few remaining slots
#foundationdentist #dentalstudent #dentista
Bro I’m just Dr.Mark
#britishhumour #dentaltok #fyp
When was your last Airflow appointment… be honest. 👀
If someone ever leans back mid-conversation, it might be time. 😬
We’re currently offering free Airflow with every hygiene appointments to help remove stains, plaque, and leave your teeth feeling super clean with fresh breath. ✨🦷
DM us or use link in bio to book. 📩🔗
We rated the best (and worst) smiles from the BRIT Awards 👀
#brits #dentista
Calling all young dentists:
If treatment planning still feels unpredictable, you don’t need more confidence. You need a system.
South Manchester Study Club
Thursday 26 March | 6-8PM
1 Hour CPD
10 seats only. DM to secure yours. Not interested? Send to someone who might be 🫶
Are you a young dentist in South Manchester?
Sale Dental Spa are proud to announce the launch of the South Manchester Study Club.
Our first session will be led by @drmmirza_ , focusing on how Digital Smile Design can make treatment planning more predictable and less stressful.
Practical strategies to:
• Reduce clinical stress
• Improve predictability
• Delegate smarter within your team
• Increase case acceptance
Connect with other young dentists in the area and build your local network in a relaxed, small group setting.
📍 Sale Dental Spa
🗓 26th March | 6–8pm
🎓 1 Hour CPD Verified
👥 Limited to 10 foundation and young dentists
DM to reserve your place.
Watch a master at work 💜
This patient liked her smile, but never fully showed it. Slanted canines, teeth disappearing at the back, a smile not telling the full story.
Dr. Hamza mapped out every detail digitally before anything was touched. After just 4 to 5 months of Invisalign and targeted composite bonding, the result speaks for itself. Wider. Brighter. Completely hers.
✨ Dr. Hamza’s March Composite Bonding Offer is live now. If you’ve been thinking about it, this is your sign.
Book your free smile makeover consultation with Dr. Hamza today. Send us a DM or tap the link in bio to get started.
Still avoiding the dentist because of one of these? We hear these every single day AND every single one has an answer. Which myth were you guilty of believing? 👇