Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry improves how your teeth look without compromising how they work. From a single whitening session that brightens your smile in an hour to a full set of porcelain veneers that completely reshapes your front teeth, we tailor the treatment to what you actually want to change. Most of our cosmetic patients are not after Hollywood teeth: they want their natural smile back, just better. We will be honest about what each option can and cannot do.
Cosmetic work should still be healthy work.
Good cosmetic dentistry never sacrifices function for looks. We use restorations that are easy to clean, that protect the underlying tooth, and that hold up under normal chewing. If a cosmetic option would weaken your tooth or hide a real problem, we will tell you and offer an alternative.
Our cosmetic services
Teeth whitening
In-office whitening brightens your teeth by 4 to 8 shades in about an hour. Best for surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco. We also offer take-home trays for gradual whitening over 1 to 2 weeks. Results last 1 to 3 years depending on diet and habits.
Porcelain veneers
Thin custom shells of porcelain bonded to the front of your teeth. Perfect for fixing chips, gaps, uneven shapes, or stains that will not whiten. Veneers are the most durable cosmetic option, lasting 10 to 20 years with proper care.
Composite veneers
Same idea as porcelain veneers but sculpted directly on your tooth from a tooth-coloured composite resin. Faster, less expensive, and reversible. Last 5 to 8 years on average. Great for patients who want to test the look before committing to porcelain.
Dental bonding
Composite resin shaped onto a single tooth to fix a small chip, close a gap, or hide a stain. Done in one visit, no anaesthetic needed in most cases. The most cost-effective cosmetic option for minor fixes.
Smile makeover
A combined treatment plan that uses multiple cosmetic procedures (whitening + veneers + bonding + gum reshaping if needed) to redesign your whole smile. We plan it digitally so you can see the result before any treatment starts.
Cosmetic crowns
When a tooth is heavily damaged or discoloured beyond what bonding or veneers can fix, a porcelain crown covers the entire tooth. Restores both strength and looks. Lasts 10 to 25 years.
Signs cosmetic dentistry might be right for you
- ✓Stained or discoloured teeth that have not responded to whitening toothpaste
- ✓Chipped, cracked, or worn-down front teeth
- ✓Gaps or uneven spacing between front teeth
- ✓Teeth that are smaller, larger, or shaped differently than you would like
- ✓A “gummy smile” (gums show too much when you smile)
- ✓You hide your teeth in photos or feel self-conscious about smiling
What to expect at your cosmetic consultation
- Talk about what you want to change. We listen first. Bring photos of smiles you like (or smiles you do not like). We want to understand exactly what is bothering you before we start suggesting options.
- Examination. We check the health of your teeth and gums first. Cosmetic treatment is built on a healthy foundation; if there is decay or gum disease, we address that before any cosmetic work.
- Digital smile preview. For larger cases (veneers, smile makeovers), we take photos and digital scans, then show you a preview of the proposed result before any irreversible work is done.
- Written treatment plan with cost. You leave the consultation with a clear plan, full cost, and an honest assessment of what each option will and will not do. No pressure.
- Treatment. Some cosmetic work (bonding, whitening) is done in a single visit. Veneers and smile makeovers usually take 2 to 4 visits over 2 to 6 weeks.
Cost and insurance
Most cosmetic dentistry is not covered by insurance because it is considered elective. There are exceptions: if a procedure is also restoring function (a chipped front tooth, a worn-down bite, etc.), insurance often covers part of the cost. We always submit a predetermination to your insurer before larger cosmetic cases so we know exactly what is covered before we start.
For cases not covered by insurance, we offer payment plans to spread the cost over several months. See our insurance and financing page for details, or call us at 604-282-3800 for a quote on your specific case.
Why choose Madison Dental Studio for cosmetic dentistry
Over 20 years of cosmetic experience, digital smile planning (you see the result before we start), on-site crown and veneer completion, predetermination submitted before larger cases, BCCOHP-registered team, payment plans available, and a multilingual team (English, Punjabi, Hindi, Persian, Tagalog, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean).
Cosmetic dentistry FAQ
How long does teeth whitening last?
In-office whitening typically lasts 1 to 3 years depending on your diet (coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco shorten it) and home care. Take-home trays can be topped up every 6 to 12 months to keep results fresh.
Will whitening damage my teeth?
No, when done correctly. Professional whitening uses concentrations and timing that are safe for enamel. The most common side effect is temporary sensitivity, which usually fades within 48 hours. We never recommend whitening for patients with significant decay or gum disease until those are treated first.
Are porcelain or composite veneers better?
Porcelain veneers last longer (10 to 20 years vs 5 to 8 for composite), look more natural, and resist staining better. Composite veneers are less expensive, faster to place, and reversible. For a single tooth or a test run, composite is often the right call. For a full smile makeover that needs to last decades, porcelain is usually worth the investment.
Will my veneers look fake?
No. We design veneers to match your face, your natural tooth colour next to the veneered teeth, and the shape of your smile. We show you a digital preview before any work is done. The most common feedback we hear from patients is “they look like my own teeth, just better.”
How much does cosmetic dentistry cost?
Costs vary widely by procedure. Bonding for a single tooth is the most affordable. Whitening sits in the middle. Veneers and smile makeovers are the most expensive because they involve multiple teeth and lab work. We give you a complete written quote at the consultation and offer payment plans for larger cases.
Do I need to whiten my teeth before veneers?
Often yes, if you have a mix of veneered and natural teeth. Veneers do not change colour after they are placed, so we whiten your natural teeth first to the shade you want, then match the veneers to that shade.
Is cosmetic dentistry covered by insurance or CDCP?
Most cosmetic procedures are not covered because they are considered elective. There are exceptions when the procedure restores function (e.g., a chipped front tooth that affects biting). CDCP coverage follows similar rules, focused on medically necessary care. We always submit a predetermination so you know exactly what is covered before starting.
How long does the whole process take?
It depends on the treatment. Whitening: 1 visit (60 to 90 minutes). Bonding: 1 visit (30 to 60 minutes per tooth). Composite veneers: 1 to 2 visits. Porcelain veneers: 2 to 3 visits over 2 to 4 weeks. Smile makeover: 3 to 6 visits over 2 to 3 months.
Ready to talk about your smile?
Book a cosmetic consultation. We will listen to what you want to change, examine your teeth, show you a digital preview of the proposed result, and give you a clear plan with full written cost.