"When you really dig into why people are nervous about going to the dentist, it’s not just about getting cavities filled – it’s often more about feeling powerless and out of control. We try to change all that. At Accent our patients are treated like people, not just a mouth full of teeth. That’s why we’re amongst the best in the business: you get more information, more world-class treatment options and more power to choose for yourself."
Dr. Matt Sumner (BDS), Accent Your Dentists, Auckland
Hi I'm Dr. Matthew Sumner, but most people just call me Matt. I'm the owner and principal here at Accent, surrounded by a great team of dental experts located right here in Ponsonby, Auckland. I'm a NZ dentist, born and bred, having graduated in 1992 from the University of Otago.
Alongside providing a full range ofGeneral services, my particular interest lies in minimally invasive Cosmetic treatmentthat ideally is so natural looking people can't even tell it's been done, often using composite or ceramic veneers, sometimes soft-tissue laser (gum recontouring), or Implant Dentistry, a dental area that is especially ground-breaking and exciting.
If you'd like to discuss options available to you, or just want a second opinion, ask us about our complimentary15 min consults for cosmetic dentistry treatments. Our focus is natural looking beautiful teeth that make you want to smile.
Why I Love Being A Dentist
I love providing great dental care. My patients come to me knowing I have their best interests at heart. Every new patient I see will sit down with me for a one-hour appointment, so I can get to know them, and what's important to them, and they can get to know me. It's all about building a lasting relationship.Rather than tell you what to do, my role is to give you options, and encourage you choose what's best for you.
Please be sure to check out some of our recent CASE STUDIES here.
To contact us for your initial appointment, please phone us on 09 376 4374
A natural look you'll love
Sonia was unhappy with the look of her chipped and worn front teeth. She had an underlying problem caused by loss of support in most of her back teeth and chose to do a full mouth restoration.
Shalom came to see us because she didn’t like the shape and wear on her two front teeth. What I particularly loved doing for Shalom was the soft tissue recontouring on her gum, combined with her front dental veneers - such a simple procedure with stunning results.
Ed had a family member tell him he should do something about his teeth and upon reflection decided he didn’t like how short, grey and ‘gappy’ they were.
We talked him through options and first did some soft tissue recontouring, then whitening and zirconia crowns (strong enough to resist his heavy bite). We couldn’t be more thrilled for Ed.
"Their service is absolutely amazing.They provide the best treatment (also painless) and show a great understanding of a client's needs. Matt is very personable and highly professional." - Fatima W. Fatima had a combination of crowns and dental veneers.
Peter had previous dental veners, but was unhappy with the aesthetic. We took a lot of time and care crafting temporary veneers the exact shape and size he liked before committing to the final permanent ones so as to meet Peter's natural aesthetic.
We're pleased to say he's delighted with the result!
Jo had some composite work done on her front teeth many years ago, but while still unhappy with them, had also been advised not to do any work on them or they would shatter. She was also missing some lateral teeth.
Concerned with her options, she still wanted a natural look, and without uising implants or orthodontics. Jo was delighted with her dental veneers, and you can see why!
“Leon came to us because he was repeatedly chipping his front teeth and didn’t like the look of them. With new zirconia crowns, he hasn’t looked back!" Leon's testimonial is available on video.
Jo wanted a very natural aesthetic. We gave her a full mouth reconstruction and minor laser was also used. "I have only praise for Dr. Matt and his team. They worked miracles…”
Peter had damaged and chipped his front teeth, the result of ongoing wear and tear, and an accident. We were able to give him the natural look and feel he wanted for his new front teeth, using a combination of veneers and crowns.
"I used to have a genuine fear of dentists but not anymore! Matt, Paris and Lucy are the best...incredibly professional and made me feel at ease straight away. I will be forever grateful to them for my new smile." - Tina C Tina had bonded composite new front teeth.
“I can’t recommend Matt & his team highly enough. They are very warm and welcoming and very professional. Matt talked me through the process of the work being done and I couldn’t be happier with the result." - Diane had 6 veeners after using a take home whitening kit.
A simple, elegant and cost-effective solution for Penny was one crown and small cantilever bridge.“Getting my teeth done has been like a dream come true for me. I am extremely happy. The final result is amazing!"
"Matt and his team have produced the discreet result I was after...worked seamlessly together and their communication is faultless - I have no hesitation in recommending Matt and the team at Accent" - Geoff L. Geoff had new dental veeners on his front teeth only.
Robert came to us with chipped, thin, discoloured teeth from gradual "wear & tear". We made him four dental veneers, then whitened his teeth for a natural looking result. "Am now enjoying all the compliments!"
Andrea didn't like her chipped teeth resulting from an accident. We whitened them & made two natural-looking dental crowns. "I couldn't be happier, or recommend Dr. Matt and the team more highly" - Andrea.
"Dr. Matt is the best dentist ever!!! For over a decade he has taken exceptional care of my teeth. I have complete confidence in his expertise...He is especially talented in state-of-the-art cosmetic techniques." - Ross N.
"Julie was fed up with two tooth gaps she'd been born with & a loose, tired denture that kept getting food stuck under it. Her new dental implants transformed her appearance & gave her a real boost in confidence.
"Matt has my highest recommendation if you are thinking of cosmetic dentistry. His craftsmanship is outstanding, and his care, kindness, support and warmth. I no longer feel afraid. Thank you Matt." - Joy S. Joy had a combination of crowns and dental veneers.
“Dr. Matt was very genuine; he didn’t force but understood what I wanted and needed...he is a specialist in cosmetic dental! I recommend that you go to Accent…5 stars from me.” - Solomon. Solomon had new dental veneers on his front teeth.
Nina had a beautiful smile, and wanted to touch up a couple of minor imperfections. Her solution involved contouring the edges of 3 teeth, along with 1 new veneer on her front, and one dental crown at the front also. She's delighted!
Leela decided to do some soft tissue recontoring to make her teeth look longer and display less of a ‘gummy smile’. Then we whitened her teeth, and did a simple plastic filling to close a small space she didn’t like...
“I highly recommend Accent Dentists. Their advice is considered, and fantastic results speak for themselves.”
Liam came to us unhappy with the look of his front teeth, wanting a natural look without too much work. We worked on his front top teeth, giving him two dental veneers and one crown for his new smile.
Highly experienced and very friendly team! Thanks to Matt, Paris, Emma and Lucy – I was put at ease immediately…I’m happy to report a completely pain free wisdom extraction! Thanks Accent! Chloe had 1 veneer, a whitening treatment and 1 wisdom tooth extracted.
Firstly because I'm always engaging with and getting to know the great people who come into the practice. And secondly, dental technology and materials are constantly changing what we can do, which all boils down to some great Cosmetic treatment possibilities for your teeth. Implant dentistry is also revolutionising many of our treatment options - now we can basically make you a new tooth that is actually fused onto your jawbone!
Here's a bit of work background about me. Following a spell of facial reconstruction at Waikato Hospital under the excellent tutelage of an oral-maxillo specialist, and a couple of years working locally for another NZ dentist, I then spent 6-years working in London with a large team of expats before finally coming home with my wife and (then) unborn daughter to establish Accent. I’ve been here at Accent ever since, supported by a great team. Gabby is 20 years old now and my identical twin boys, Josh and Ben are nearly 19! How time flies...
If you're considering consmetic dental work, please note we also offer 15 Min Complimentary Cosmetic Consults with Dr. Matt detailed here. Or call Lucy our Practice Manager to disucss your personal requrirements.
Implant Dentistry and Cosmetic Procedures
Many people ask me how does implant dentistry actually work? Essentially, a dental implant is actually a replacement for the root or roots of a tooth. Due to titanium's special property of fusing to bone, implant dentistry uses surgical grade titanium screws or posts which are placed within your jaw bone - thus emulating the roots of a normal tooth - and then a gold or porcelain dental crown is placed on top. The amazing thing is that implant dentistry has the highest success rate of any implanted surgical device.
Crowns, bridges, porcelain veneers, gum recontouring and full mouth dental restorations are all things I also do lots of on a daily basis. Every day is full of interesting people with varying needs and technical challenges, and I'm constantly amazed at how varied my job is. I'm proud to be a NZ dentist working in my hometown - Auckland is a truly fantastic city. Plus Ponsonby is a great place to work - full of vibrant characters, and an easy place to catch up with friends, colleagues and patients. I enjoy putting my energy into the close-knit community we have, but it's also great being sought as a NZ dentist, even from patients outside the country.
Beyond my love of Cosmetic Dentistry and Dental Artisty, there are some things I'm very passionate about outside of work. I'm a father to three very energetic teenagers, and enjoy cooking, golf and working in my garden. If I have any time left, you'll tend to find me out fishing or diving, as I love the calm of being near or in water.