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How the 'Love Island Smile' evolved: Veneers to Invisalign

05 Feb 2026

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 Early Days: Ultra-White, Ultra-Perfect

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.

The Shift: From Dramatic to Discreet

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.

What This Shift Really Means

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.

The Three-Year Wait

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.

When Visual Truth Changes Everything

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?”

It’s Not About Time, It’s About Permission

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.

Invisalign Open Day Sale: 21st February 2026

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.

The Photos That Will Matter for Decades

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.

Why Choose Sale Dental Spa for Invisalign?

Ready to see what your smile could look like? Contact Sale Dental Spa or book your Invisalign consultation online today.

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Treatment - Sale Dental Spa

General Dentistry

Your smile is safe in our hands

Looking after all your dental needs.

READ MORE yellow circle purple circle
Treatment - Sale Dental Spa

Cosmetic Dentistry

Enhancing smiles for generations

Excellent dentistry speaks for itself.

READ MORE yellow circle purple circle
Treatment - Sale Dental Spa

Invisalign®

Invisalign® smile design

Digitally enhanced. Naturally worn.

READ MORE yellow circle purple circle
Treatment - Sale Dental Spa

Beauty Spa

Natural results are guaranteed

Subtle aesthetic treatments tailored to your wishes.

READ MORE yellow circle purple circle
Treatment - Sale Dental Spa

Implants

Creating change – just for you Your future smile begins with dental implants. READ MORE yellow circle purple circle

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“I can't recommend this practice enough! I had composite bonding done by Aisha and Nadia, finished off by beautiful implant crowns on the two front teeth done by Dr JK....”

Rebecca

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“A filling - Oh no!! But Dr Nabeel was so kind and gentle and really made me feel at ease! No pain at all during the procedure.”

Renee

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“Thank you to Rija, the dentist & Essa, and the nurse for my airflow treatment of 20-25 mins and removed stains from my front 2 top teeth and whole mouth.”

Rija

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“Absolutely fantastic service from Aisha - I highly recommend her!! I had Invisalign done and have had a few issues since, but Aisha has fixed these quickly and never made...”

Sara

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“Hamza was very friendly and kept on asking if I was okay. Also, the team that worked with him, Zahra, was very friendly and sweet. I felt safe with them.”

Yakeen

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“Fast service with very helpful receptionists. From the initial consultation, I had everything explained in detail by Doctor Usman with the help of the nurse Ramila, and I finished my...”

Muiz

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“I have been going to Sale Dental Spa for the past 2 years now and wouldn't go anywhere else. I have had composite bonding and whitening and cannot believe the...”

Kenzy

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“Sale Dental Spa and its staff consistently provide top-quality dental care. I have been coming to this dentist for 5+ years, and you get the same level of attention to...”

Tom

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“Dental nurses Zahra and Dr Hamza are the best people to go to and trust your teeth with. I am scared of going to the dentist, and I haven’t been...”

Jannat

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“After working myself up about attending my hygienist appointment, I couldn't be happier with my experience and the results. Shumalia and Zara were super friendly and welcoming. They made me...”

Alex

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Got a wedding this year? Graduation? Big birthday?

Transform your smile, transform your future photos.

The photos from those days will be on your wall for decades. You’ll look at them when you’re 70.

Too many people sit in the chair and say, “I’ve been thinking about this for three years.”

It clicks when they see the 3D scan. That visual proof changes everything. The most common reaction?

“Wow... are they really that crooked?”

The path forward suddenly looks clear.

The biggest hurdle isn’t time. It’s permission.

Giving yourself permission to invest in your own confidence.

Our Invisalign Open Day is 21st February.

→ Save over £1,600 on your treatment
→ Free Consultation & 3D Smile Preview
→ Free Whitening included

Make 2026 the year you stop waiting. DM us to book one of our last spots…

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What's in a dental therapist's bag? 💼👀 

Plus... did Rebecca say FREE airflow? 😉

DM or use link in bio to book! 💜

#DentalLife #BagReveal #DentalTherapist

...

29 2
“Oh wow, that’s life-changing.”

That’s the moment it all clicks. When someone sees their new smile and realises how much confidence was waiting underneath. 💎

This is what we do , we don’t just change smiles, we unlock the version of yourself you’ve been holding back. 💫

Book a free smile makeover consultation with us today and we’d love to help you see what’s possible for your smile. 💜

Link in bio or send us a DM.

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10 6
No GCSEs. Now an amazing dental therapist.

Rebecca’s proving your starting point doesn’t have to determine your destination. 💪 

#DentalTherapist #manchesterdentist #dentista #motivation #inspiration

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23 4
A dentist gave Rebecca her confidence back at 13. Now she’s giving that same feeling to others.

This is what happens when good care creates good people.

#DentistryUK #DentalTherapist #WhyIDentistry

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Everyone buys flowers.
Everyone books dinner.
But not everyone gives a gift that lasts longer than a night out.

This Valentine’s, upgrade the both of you with something that actually lasts.

Professional whitening gives you a brighter smile, a confidence boost, and results you simply cannot get from shop-bought kits.

And right now, you can get it together for a price that feels unreal.

❤️Free consultation included
❤️2-for-1 Professional Whitening
❤️£275 total
❤️£137.50 each

Limited Valentine’s slots 👇

DM “VALENTINE” to secure your spot before they disappear…

A brighter smile together is better than another overpriced restaurant.

If you want a gift that feels meaningful and makes you both look incredible in every photo, this is your moment.

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18 4
He promised her a masterpiece.

He delivered… something. 😅

First episode of Paint A Mate with dental therapist Rebecca: where Haaris proves you don’t need artistic talent to have good conversations. 

Full clips coming all week 🎨

#DentalTherapist #CantDraw #DentalTeam #SaleDentalSpa

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24 2
Just revealing what’s been there all along. 🤷‍♂️ 

Get a free airflow with every hygiene appointment booked in February.🚨 

DM to book!

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14 4
CRITICS ARE CALLING IT: “Why did they make this” “Genuinely unnecessary” “My dentist has lost it” 🍿 😂😂

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22 5
Who’d win in a fight? 🥊 Therapist Vs Nurse Challenge 😂

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17 0
Maybe I am the most vain 🤔😂

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