Calm, Supportive Dentistry, At Your Pace

If visiting the dentist makes you feel anxious, fearful, or overwhelmed, you’re not alone and you’re certainly not judged. Dental anxiety affects many people, and feeling nervous about dental visits is more common than you might think.

At Start Smiling, we provide gentle, understanding dental care for nervous and anxious patients, focusing on reassurance, clear communication, and giving you control at every stage.

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Understanding Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety can affect people for many reasons, including:

  • Previous negative experiences
  • Fear of pain or discomfort
  • Loss of control
  • Embarrassment about teeth
  • Sensitivity to sounds, smells, or clinical environments

Whether you experience mild nerves or severe dental phobia, your feelings are valid, and we take them seriously.

Why Choose Start Smiling If You’re Nervous?

Choosing the right dentist for nervous patients can make all the difference.
Patients who feel anxious choose Start Smiling because we offer:

  • A calm, welcoming environment
  • A non judgemental, patient first approach
  • Clear explanations before anything happens
  • Gentle dentistry focused on comfort
  • Experience supporting nervous patients of all ages

We take things at your pace, never rushing or pressuring you.

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Dental Anxiety Care At Start Smiling, What Makes Us Different?

Supporting nervous patients is part of how we work every day.
At Start Smiling, our dental anxiety care focus on:

  • Listening first, treating second
  • Clear communication, so there are no surprises
  • Giving you control, including stop signals
  • Comfort focused techniques and modern dentistry
  • Building trust over time, not just one visit

You’re always in control of what happens next.

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Who Is This Approach Suitable For?

Our dental anxiety care is ideal for patients who:

  • Feel nervous or fearful about dental visits
  • Haven’t been to the dentist in years
  • Have had a traumatic dental experience
  • Feel embarrassed about their teeth
  • Need extra reassurance and time
  • Want to rebuild confidence gradually

You don’t need to feel brave, just ready to start.

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What Does A Nervous Patient Appointment Involve?

Your appointment is tailored entirely around your comfort.

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We begin by talking, not examining. You tell us your concerns and what you’re comfortable with.
If appropriate, we’ll carry out a gentle check at a pace that suits you.
We explain what we see using simple, non technical language.
Nothing happens without your agreement. You can stop at any time.
If treatment is needed, we’ll create a manageable, step by step plan.

How Long Does A Nervous Patient Appointment Take?

Appointments are never rushed.

Most visits last between:

30–60 minutes, with flexibility for extra time if needed.

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How Much Does A Nervous Patient Appointment Cost?

Costs depend on what’s included during your visit.
At Start Smiling:

  • Appointments start from £149.00
  • Any additional costs are explained upfront
  • No treatment is carried out without consent
  • Finance options may be available if treatment is required

Clear information helps reduce anxiety, we’re always transparent.

Helping You Feel More Confident Over Time

Many nervous patients start with:

  • A consultation only
  • A simple check up
  • A hygiene visit

Confidence often builds naturally with each visit. Our goal is to help dental care feel manageable, not overwhelming.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We regularly care for anxious patients and tailor appointments to be calm, gentle, and supportive.
Yes. Your first visit can be a conversation only, with no examination unless you’re comfortable.
We focus on comfort first dentistry. If you’re uncomfortable at any point, we stop immediately.
Yes. Many patients build confidence over several visits, starting slowly.
No. We’re here to help, not judge. Many patients haven’t visited for a long time.
You’re always in control. We’ll agree on a stop signal so you can pause at any time.
Most appointments last 30–60 minutes, with extra time allowed if needed.
You can mention it when booking or on arrival we’ll take extra care from the start.

What our patients have to say...

Denise Somers

Patient

Every member of staff is always extremely kind, thorough, and patient. Always thorough in explanations and ensure every client feels valued.

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Jeff Emberson

Patient

My Dentist is Tony Aneiros, he has been my Dentist for many years. I have confidence in his skills as Dentist and he has always been very professional when caring for my teeth. He has a friendly manner and is mindful to keep the patient at ease and pain free. We recently moved and now live a long way from the surgery, but I have no intention of changing Dentist.

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Gill Carter

Patient

Bradley the Hygienist is very considerate as I really don’t like the process but I know it’s necessary. I would recommend him if you are a nervous patient.

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Lynn Culley

Patient

Have been going to Start Smiling for as long as I can remember. I am an old person, but still wants a good smile. 😬. Natalie the hygienist is lovely. Receptionist are always polite and friendly. Tom my dentist is good. Never felt worried or anxious when I go.

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Anne-Marie Winch

Patient

Very satisfied with all treatment received so far. I shall be using Start-Smiling from now on for check ups, hygienist, etc. A very friendly and helpful team. Thank you

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Michael Seymour

Patient

I had some excellent treatment at Start smiling and can’t thank the team enough. The care and kindness shown by everyone really stood out and put me completely at ease. A fantastic dentist and a genuinely caring practice

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John Robinson

Patient

I have been using start smiling for the last 4 years, I can highly recommend their services. I had 3 implants fitted, and also some cosmetic work done . I am very pleased with the results. Thank you to all the staff there.

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Steve Franks

Patient

Turned up late for my appointment due to train issues, I was already extremely nervous but the staff were very kind and considerate. Appointment itself was fine despite my rambling on in my nervousness. Very professional service. Thank you Start Smiling I would recommend you to anyone with similar 'phobias'

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Toni Featherstone

Patient

Absolutely amazing, before coming here I had a terrible fear with dentist. From the day I went to start smily I have felt completely at ease! Can’t not recommend them enough! Thank you so much I can’t wait now for the final finish of my new teeth 🦷

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Nicky Allen

Patient

We’ve had such a great experience with Tony, the orthodontist treating my son. His teeth are coming along beautifully and we’re so pleased with the progress. Tracey on reception and the nurse are both absolutely lovely — always welcoming, kind, and they truly go above and beyond. The whole team makes every visit a positive experience. I would highly recommend.

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A-A Ron

Patient

Great practice, very friendly, high quality of dental care from Dr Tom Sealey and his colleagues. Just had a brace fitted and it was carried out very quickly with no discomfort. I have been going for 10 years or so. Thoroughly recommend.

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Take the first step, only when you’re ready

You don’t have to do everything at once.

Book a calm, pressure free appointment today
Let us know you’re nervous, we’ll take extra care
Discover how comfortable dentistry can feel

Contact Us

Whether it's a routine check up or a smile makeover, please complete the below form and one of the team will be in touch

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