Choosing where to have facial aesthetic treatments is not just about who looks the most polished on Instagram. In the UK there are clear rules designed to protect you – the patient – from misleading claims, unsafe practice, and inappropriate marketing. Knowing these standards helps you spot reputable providers and avoid risky clinics.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) regulate how cosmetic and aesthetic services are promoted in the UK. This includes non-surgical treatments like anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers. Under the CAP Code, prescription-only medicines (POMs) – such as botulinum toxin products – cannot be advertised to the public in a way that promotes the medicine itself.
That means you won’t see adverts naming botulinum toxin or implying it’s available at the clinic directly. Instead, compliant advertising should focus on the consultation and explain that a qualified professional will assess your needs.
One big area that often confuses patients is before-and-after photos. These images are a common marketing tool in the aesthetics industry – but the rules are strict. The ASA treats before-and-after photos as evidence of a treatment’s effectiveness. For POM-based treatments (like botulinum toxin), using such photos in marketing is likely to be seen as promoting the medicine, which is prohibited under the CAP Code.
This rule applies even if the advert doesn’t explicitly mention the name of the product. Visual results alone can imply promotion of a prescription drug.
If a clinic uses before-and-after imagery for non-POM treatments (for example, microneedling or skincare procedures without prescription medicines), it must still be careful that photos are genuine, unaltered, not misleading and substantiated – the same basic principles of truthful advertising apply.
A strong indicator of a reputable provider is membership of a government-approved register such as Save Face. Save Face is the UK’s leading accredited register for facial aesthetics practitioners, limited to registered healthcare professionals (doctors, dentists, nurses, prescribing pharmacists) who have passed a rigorous assessment of training, safety, and clinical standards.
Being listed on the Save Face register means:
While accreditation doesn’t replace your own due diligence, it’s a credible way to filter out unqualified practitioners in a largely unregulated field.
Reputable providers will:
They should not rely on exaggerated claims like “guaranteed results” or “no-pain, perfect skin” as these can be considered misleading.
Before committing, ask:
If answers are vague or dismissive, that’s a red flag.
By understanding the advertising rules and looking for recognised accreditation like Save Face, you’ll be better equipped to choose a provider who prioritises safety, transparency, and patient-centred care — not just flashy marketing.
BRACES
BONDING
Dental Health Plan
We are accepting new patients, book an introduction call today
Book An Introduction Call Can you spot the odd object? 🔍
This summer, we’re proud to be taking part in the RNLI Portishead Lifeboat Station Spot the Odd Object trail! 🚤❤️
From 25 July to 29 August, explore Portishead, visit participating businesses and see if you can spot the mystery object hidden in each window - including ours here at Evolve Dentistry!
Not only is it a great way to enjoy a family day out, but every £5 entry helps support the incredible volunteers at RNLI Portishead Lifeboat Station, who work tirelessly to help keep people safe at sea.
📍 Visit our practice and see if you can find our hidden object.
👀 Don’t forget to complete your entry form for your chance to win one of the fantastic cash prizes!
If you take part, we’d love to see your photos - tag Evolve Dentistry and let us know when you’ve found our mystery object!
Good luck… and happy spotting! 🔎💙
#Portishead #RNLI #SpotTheOddObject #SupportLocal #FamilyFun #EvolveDentistry #PortisheadEvents #SummerHolidays
Will composite bonding damage my teeth?
It’s a common concern, especially for patients who want to improve their smile while protecting their natural teeth.
The good news is that composite bonding is often one of the most conservative cosmetic dental treatments available. In many cases, little or no preparation of the tooth is required, meaning your natural tooth structure can be preserved.
Composite bonding can be used to improve the appearance of:
✔ Chipped teeth
✔ Small gaps between teeth
✔ Uneven tooth shapes
✔ Worn edges
✔ Minor imperfections
Because the treatment is minimally invasive, many patients choose composite bonding when they want to enhance their smile without significant changes to their natural teeth.
Every smile is unique, so we’ll always discuss your options and explain exactly what’s involved before any treatment begins.
📍 Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #compositebonding #smilemakeovers #cosmeticdentistry #newpatients #naturalteeth #healthysmiles #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #smiledesign #bonding #confidentsmile #cosmeticsmile
Reading comments like this reminds us why we do what we do.
Helping people feel comfortable and cared for is just as important as providing great dentistry.
Thank you for your kind words.
You could be grinding your teeth every night… without even knowing it. 😴
Many people assume they’d know if they were clenching or grinding their teeth.
In reality, most don’t.
As Richard explains, while we’re asleep our brains continue processing the events and stresses of the day. For some people, that stress is released through clenching or grinding their teeth - but because the part of the brain that would normally recognise it is effectively switched off during sleep, we often have no idea it’s happening.
Over time, tooth grinding can contribute to:
• Worn or chipped teeth
• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Morning headaches
• Sensitive teeth
• Disrupted sleep
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, it’s worth mentioning them at your next appointment. We can look for the signs of tooth grinding and discuss ways to help protect your teeth before more damage occurs.
Have you ever been told you grind your teeth, or has someone heard you doing it while you sleep?
#ToothGrinding #Bruxism #HealthySmile #DentalHealth #Portishead #EvolveDentistry
✨ Looking for a role where people matter?
We’re searching for a new Front of House Team Member to join our award-winning team at Evolve Dentistry.
This isn’t just about answering the phone or booking appointments.
It’s about creating the kind of welcome that makes people feel relaxed from the moment they walk through our doors. It’s remembering the little things, taking pride in every interaction and helping deliver an experience that patients genuinely talk about.
If you’re warm, organised, love looking after people and enjoy being part of a supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.
Experience in dentistry isn’t essential. We’re looking for the right person with the right attitude - someone who genuinely enjoys making a difference to someone’s day.
If that sounds like you, or someone you know, we’d love to hear from you - hello@evolve-dentistry.co.uk
📍 Portishead
💙 Award-winning team culture
☕ Every patient welcomed like a guest
Please share this post with anyone who might be the perfect fit.
🚦 Travelling to Evolve? Please allow a little extra time.
If you’re visiting us over the next few weeks, please be aware that there are temporary traffic lights on the Portbury Hundred until 10th August, which are causing delays, particularly at busier times of the day.
We’d hate for your journey to add any unnecessary stress, so if you have an appointment with us, we’d recommend allowing a little extra travel time.
If you think you may be delayed, please give our reception team a call and we’ll do everything we can to help.
Thank you for your patience, and we look forward to welcoming you to the practice. 💙
“Great patient focus and excellent staff and facilities.”
Those few words mean a great deal to us.
Because creating an exceptional experience isn’t just about modern facilities - it’s about making every person who walks through our doors feel welcomed, listened to and genuinely cared for.
Every interaction matters, from your first phone call to the moment you leave the practice.
Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback in our recent patient survey. Your kind words remind us why we do what we do, and inspire us to keep making every experience the best that it can be. 💙
#EvolveDentistry #PatientExperience #PatientFeedback #Portishead #Compassion #ExceptionalCare