Cosmetic dentistry
If something about your smile bothers you, such as colour, chips, white spots, gaps or an uneven gumline, there is usually more than one way to address it. We'll show you the options and help you choose.
What it is
Cosmetic treatment starts with a conversation about what you'd like to change, and an exam to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy first. We explain what each option involves, how long it tends to last, and what it costs.
- Teeth whitening
- Professional whitening in the office, or custom trays to use at home. Temporary sensitivity is common. Whitening doesn't change the colour of crowns, veneers or fillings.
- Porcelain veneers
- Thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to change their shape, colour or size. Most veneers require removing a thin layer of enamel, which can't be undone. In some cases, minimal-preparation veneers are possible.
- Tooth-coloured bonding
- Composite resin shaped onto a tooth to repair chips, close small gaps or even out edges, usually in one visit.
- ICON white-spot treatment
- ICON resin infiltration treats chalky white spots, such as those left after braces, without drilling. The resin fills the porous enamel so the spot blends with the tooth around it. How much a spot fades varies from tooth to tooth. More about ICON.
- All-ceramic crowns
- Tooth-coloured crowns for teeth that are heavily filled, cracked or discoloured.
- Gum contouring
- Reshaping the gumline to even out an uneven or "gummy" smile.
- Smile makeovers
- A planned combination of treatments, staged to fit your goals and budget.
Who it can help
- Stained or discoloured teeth
- Chipped, worn or uneven teeth
- White spots after braces
- Small gaps between teeth
- Old fillings that have darkened
- A gumline that looks uneven
How cosmetic treatment works
- Your goalsTell us what you'd like to change and what matters most to you.
- Exam and photosWe check the health of your teeth and gums and take photos to plan with.
- Options and costsWe explain each option, its trade-offs and its cost, in writing.
- TreatmentWe carry out the plan you choose, at a pace that suits you.
Looking after your results
Veneers and bonding are cared for like natural teeth: brush, floss and keep up regular check-ups. Avoid biting very hard objects, and wear a night guard if you grind. After whitening, coffee, tea, red wine and smoking can gradually restain teeth.
Common questions
Will whitening damage my teeth?
Professional whitening used as directed doesn't harm enamel. Sensitivity is the most common side effect and usually settles within a few days.
How long do veneers last?
Porcelain veneers commonly last many years with good care, but they can chip and may eventually need replacing. We'll talk about what affects their lifespan.
Does ICON work on all white spots?
It is designed for white spots in the outer enamel, such as those after braces. We'll examine the spots and tell you whether ICON is a good fit.
Is cosmetic treatment covered by insurance?
Usually not, although parts of some treatments may be. We can help you check your plan.
Dr. Anahita Azadi Boroujeni, DDS, Dr. Cynthia Simon, DMD, and Dr. Kyra de Gouw, DMD, are general dentists registered with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario. This page is general information. Your treatment is planned after an examination.