June 27, 2014

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry broadly describes the intent to improve the esthetics of someone’s dentition. Strictly speaking, there is no such thing as “cosmetic dentistry” as all dentistry must be esthetic.

Improving someone’s smile is usually a multi-disciplinary objective. First and foremost, the foundation of the teeth must be free of disease, meaning teeth must not have any decay or be at risk of abscessing. Provided that the teeth are healthy or in a stable state, cosmetic dentistry may include procedures such as teeth whitening or bleaching, tooth-coloured fillings, porcelain crowns or veneers, bridges or implants to replace missing teeth, orthodontics, gum reshaping, or partial or complete removeable dentures.

Click to Enlarge or view our Gallery

FAQs

What materials do you use for crowns or veneers?

We have found the best balance between strength and beauty with IPS e.max, which is a lithium disilicate ceramic. However, we also use materials like IPS Empress (leucite reinforced feldspar), as well as zirconia ceramics. There are benefits to each material, so what is best for your clinical situation is something we are always open to discuss.

Do you do same day crowns?

Yes – for single tooth crowns or veneers we have the expertise and equipment to make your restoration in as little as 2 hours, start to finish.

Do you do same-day smile makeovers or same-day veneers?

No – Our approach involves wearing temporary crowns or veneers to make sure all the details look right and your bite feels comfortable. Based on your feedback, we will make all the necessary adjustments on these temporaries before we start manufacturing the finals from ceramic/porcelain. We’re looking at the length, width, and shape of the teeth, the harmony and width of the smile, the midline and the level of the smile line, etc…there are a lot of details to get right. What looks aesthetic to the dentist may not be what looks aesthetic to the patient, and this discrepancy needs to be understood and worked out while still in temporaries.

We don’t think that something you intend to wear for decades should be rushed in one day to manufacture. Looking online, we have never been impressed by the outcome from “same-day veneers” or “same-day smile makeovers”. There are no “proprietary” techniques that can replace careful, detail-oriented work from the numerous checks, trials, and adjustments needed to make before and after the ceramic is fabricated to make sure there are no surprises at the end. We are always open to discuss how our approach ensures a more predictable and optimum aesthetic outcome.

How much are smile makeovers with porcelain crowns or veneers?

The average price in Toronto ranges from as low as $800 to over $3000 per tooth. Feel free to explore published fees from other “Cosmetic Dentists” in Toronto to compare.

Currently, as of 2023/2024 our price for smile makeovers is $1500-$1650 per tooth, lab cost included, depending on case complexity and materials used (eg. changes to bite, layered vs monolithic ceramic, etc). Since we do our own digital smile designs and planning, and we have our own lab equipment and software to manufacture the crowns/veneers, and we are not located in “prestigious” high-rent areas like Downtown Toronto or Yorkville, we can avoid passing on significant expenses to our patients. We strive to provide aesthetic outcomes equal to the best aesthetic dentists in the world. Just check out our gallery.