Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, "I think I want my smile to be a bit brighter, better, straighter…". If you did, you're not alone. A confident smile makes all the difference with how you look at yourself, which is why many patients in Kitsilano seek the help of cosmetic dentistry.
At Arbutus Station Dental, our team takes a personalized approach and creates a long-term solution with smile makeovers. Whether you are looking into whitening or completely transforming your smile, we make sure your cosmetic treatment is something you will truly be happy with.
If you've been thinking about getting a cosmetic smile makeover done, this guide will help you understand your options for a better, healthier smile.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry covers a wide range of procedures, including teeth whitening to crowns to full smile makeovers. The goal? Making your dream smile come to life while maintaining long-term health and function. Let's take a closer look:
Cosmetic dentistry includes comprehensive smile-enhancing treatments
From teeth whitening and bonding to veneers and complete smile makeovers, cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the colour, size, shape, alignment, and overall appearance of your teeth. These treatments can be subtle or completely transformative depending on your specific concern and smile needs.
Cosmetic dentistry requires the expertise of a trained aesthetic dentist
Unlike routine dental procedures, cosmetic treatments combine a unique blend of artistry, precision, and skill to create a natural, balanced smile. This can be best done by a cosmetic dentist in Vancouver who acquired further training to create seamless results.
Cosmetic dentistry is all about personalized smile solutions
There is no such thing as "one size fits all" when it comes to cosmetic dental care. Your local cosmetic dentist will take the time to learn your goals, facial structure, and smile harmony to create a treatment plan specifically for you. With that, some smile makeovers may include a combination of cosmetic dentistry treatments to achieve the goal.
Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
A cosmetic dentist in Vancouver offers several treatments designed to be personalized, natural-looking, and aligned with your smile goals. Here's a closer look at the most popular options:
Teeth Whitening
Who it is for: Patients who want to brighten dull or whiten stained teeth
What it does: Safely lifts surface stains and lightens discolourations for a noticeably radiant smile
How it is done: We offer two types of teeth whitening: At-Home Whitening Kits and In-Office Laser Teeth Whitening. At-Home kits include personalized whitening trays that are worn every day for a few weeks for gradual whitening results. Meanwhile, In-Office Whitening delivers fast whitening effect by using a potent bleaching gel activated by laser light
Dental Bonding
Who it is for: Minor cosmetic imperfections, such as small chips, gaps, uneven edges, or mild discolouration
What it does: Reshapes and restores small blemishes using tooth-coloured composite resin
How it is done: This treatment is a quick, simple, and affordable way to renew the smile. Your cosmetic dentist will layer and shape composite resin over the area. Then, it is hardened in place with a curing light and polished to seamlessly blend with your natural tooth
Dental Veneers
Who it is for: Patients who want a long-lasting solution for cosmetic concerns, including worn, uneven, discoloured teeth, or those who want a complete smile refresh
What it does: Thin composite or porcelain shells are bonded to the front of your teeth to create a better, more harmonious appearance
How it is done: The procedure involves minimal drilling for a conservative approach to cosmetic dentistry. Then, impressions are taken and sent to the lab where the custom veneers are made. It is created to match your ideal shape and shade before it is permanently bonded to your teeth
Dental Crowns
Who it is for: Cracked, heavily filled, weakened teeth that need both cosmetic and functional improvement
What it does: Covers the entire tooth to restore not just its appearance, but also its function and strength
How it is done: The damaged tooth is fully reshaped to receive a custom-made crown. Ideally, the front tooth should have a porcelain crown for superior aesthetics, while ceramic crowns are recommended for the back tooth for better strength and support for functions such as chewing
Gum Contouring
Who it is for: Patients with a "gummy smile" or uneven gumline that affects smile symmetry
What it does: Reshapes excess gum tissue to reveal more tooth surface and create a balanced smile
How it is done: Using gentle lasers, your cosmetic dentist can sculpt the gumline with precision, minimal discomfort, and short downtime. It can also be accomplished with minor surgery for smaller areas of concern
Clear Aligners
Who it is for: Teens and adults with mild to moderate teeth misalignment and bite problems
What it does: Straightens the teeth and improves the bite using advanced digital technology and clear aligner trays for a more predictable orthodontic treatment
How it is done: Clear aligner technology uses a digital system that maps out your treatment from start to finish and creates custom aligners that can gradually shift your teeth into place
Smile Makeover
Who it is for: Anyone wanting a fully personalized smile transformation that addresses multiple concerns
What it does: Combines several cosmetic dental procedures for more comprehensive concerns
How it is done: After evaluating your goals, facial aesthetics, and bite, your cosmetic dentist will build a tailored plan to help you bring your ideal smile to life
How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Improve Your Smile?
Still debating if cosmetic dentistry is right for you? Your smile is one of your best investments, and cosmetic treatments can help you look and feel your best about your smile. Overall, here's what cosmetic dentistry can do:
- Brighten stained or discoloured teeth
- Fix chips, cracks, and uneven tooth shape
- Strengthen weakened or worn-down teeth
- Improve tooth symmetry and proportions
- Close small gaps
- Correct mild misalignment and bite issues
- Enhance overall confidence in your smile
How to Choose the Right Cosmetic Dentist for You
Choosing the right cosmetic dentist in Vancouver is just as important as the treatment itself. After all it takes skill, training, and aesthetic eye to create natural smile solutions that look and feel exactly like you want. And this is what a certified cosmetic dentist is trained for. Here are two things we recommend you consider:
Cosmetic Dentist vs General Dentist
While a general dentist is also trained in providing cosmetic treatment, a cosmetic dental specialist has additional training specifically in smile aesthetics. This includes understanding facial proportions, colour harmony, and tooth symmetry for realistic and refined results. With that, working with a dentist who has experience in aesthetic dentistry makes a significant difference.
Finding a Cosmetic Dentist in Vancouver
If you are searching for a cosmetic dentist in Vancouver, start by looking at real patient results and checking local reviews. They are often the most honest indicator of quality. You can also ask for referrals from people you know! And if you want to confirm if your chosen dentist is a cosmetic dentist, don't hesitate to ask about their credentials. They should also have their training certificate displayed on their website or clinic for patient reference.