What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry covers treatments that improve the look of your teeth and smile. While many of these treatments also have functional benefits, their main purpose is aesthetic: whiter teeth, a more even shape, closed gaps, or repaired chips.
Because cosmetic work is personal, there’s no single right answer. The best approach depends on what’s bothering you, the current condition of your teeth, and the result you’re hoping for. We’ll talk it through and recommend options that make sense for your situation.
Our Cosmetic Treatments
Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening lightens teeth that have become stained or discoloured over time from food, drink, or age. In-office and take-home options each have their place, and professional whitening is stronger and more controlled than over-the-counter products.
Whitening works best on natural teeth and won’t change the colour of existing fillings, crowns, or veneers, which is something we’ll factor into your plan.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of the teeth. They can address several concerns at once, including discolouration that doesn’t respond to whitening, chips, minor gaps, and teeth that are uneven in shape or size.
Because veneers are custom-crafted, they’re matched to give you a natural-looking result rather than an obviously artificial one.
Dental Bonding
Bonding uses a tooth-coloured resin to repair and reshape teeth. It’s often used to fix a small chip, close a minor gap, or improve the shape of a tooth, and it can usually be completed in a single visit.
Bonding is a more conservative option than veneers for smaller cosmetic concerns, since it typically requires little to no removal of the natural tooth.
Which Cosmetic Treatment Is Right for You?
| If you'd like to | Common options |
|---|---|
| Brighten stained or yellowed teeth | Teeth whitening |
| Cover deep discolouration | Veneers |
| Fix a small chip or gap | Bonding |
| Reshape uneven teeth | Veneers or bonding |
| Improve several teeth at once | Veneers, sometimes combined with whitening |
| Straighten crooked teeth | Clear aligners |
Straightening teeth is an orthodontic goal rather than a cosmetic one, though the result is often cosmetic. If alignment is your main concern, clear aligners may be the better starting point.
A Smile Makeover Starts With a Conversation
Some patients want to change one thing. Others are thinking about their smile as a whole. A smile makeover simply means combining more than one treatment, such as whitening followed by veneers or bonding, to work toward the overall result you’re after.
There’s no pressure to decide everything at once. We start by understanding what you’d like to change, explain what’s realistic for your teeth, and build a plan around your goals and your budget.
Your Port Coquitlam Cosmetic Dentists
Cosmetic treatment at Shaughnessy Square Dental Centre is provided by Dr. Fadi Ibrahim and Dr. Soha Changezi. Dr. Changezi has a particular interest in cosmetic dentistry and clear aligner therapy, and focuses on results that look natural rather than overdone. Because we’re a general dental practice, your cosmetic treatment and your routine care stay in one place.
What to Expect
Cosmetic treatment begins with a consultation. We examine your teeth and gums, since healthy teeth are the foundation of any cosmetic work, and talk through what you’d like to achieve.
From there, the process depends on the treatment. Whitening and bonding are often completed quickly, sometimes in a single visit. Veneers are custom-made and usually take more than one appointment. Whatever the treatment, we’ll be clear about what it can and can’t achieve for your specific teeth before you commit to anything.
Cosmetic Dentistry and Cost
The cost of cosmetic treatment depends on which option you choose and how many teeth are involved. Because every smile is different, we provide a clear plan and cost breakdown at your consultation.
It’s worth knowing that cosmetic treatments are generally not covered by dental insurance or the Canadian Dental Care Plan, since they’re considered elective rather than medically necessary. We’ll always be upfront about this so you can plan with a full picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does teeth whitening last?
Whitening results vary from person to person and gradually fade over time, especially with coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking. Occasional touch-ups help maintain the result, and we’ll explain how to care for your smile afterward.
Do veneers look natural?
Yes, when they’re well planned. Veneers are custom-made and matched to suit your face and your other teeth, so the goal is a natural result rather than an obviously artificial one.
What's the difference between veneers and bonding?
Bonding uses tooth-coloured resin applied directly to the tooth, usually in one visit, and is well suited to small repairs. Veneers are custom-made shells that address more extensive concerns and are more durable, but involve more preparation and more than one visit.
Is cosmetic dentistry covered by insurance?
Cosmetic treatments are generally considered elective and are not usually covered by dental insurance or the CDCP. We’ll confirm this as part of your treatment plan.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have fillings or crowns?
Whitening only affects natural teeth, so existing fillings, crowns, and veneers won’t change colour. If these are visible when you smile, we’ll take that into account when planning your treatment.
How do I know which treatment is right for me?
The best way is a consultation. We look at the condition of your teeth, listen to what you’d like to change, and recommend options that are realistic for your situation.
Ready to Improve Your Smile?
Whether you’re thinking about whitening, veneers, or a fuller smile makeover, it starts with a conversation. Book a consultation at Shaughnessy Square Dental Centre, Monday through Saturday.