The problem, and what solves it
| The problem | Usually the answer | What it costs the tooth |
|---|---|---|
| Teeth are the right shape but dull | Whitening | Nothing |
| One chipped corner | Bonding | Little to nothing |
| Teeth are crooked or crowded | Aligners or braces | Nothing |
| A small gap | Bonding, or aligners | Little to nothing |
| Shape, shade and alignment all at once | Veneers | A layer of enamel, permanently |
| A tooth is broken or heavily filled | Crown | More structure, but it is already gone |
| Gums show too much when smiling | Gum recontouring, or referral | Gum tissue |
The order matters
Whitening comes first, always. Crowns, veneers, bonding and white fillings do not change colour, so anything made before you whiten will be matched to the old shade and will stand out afterwards.
Alignment usually comes before restoration too. Straightening teeth first often reduces how much veneering or bonding is needed, and sometimes removes the need entirely.
The question worth asking
“What is the least invasive thing that gets me most of the way there?” It is a fair question and the answer should be specific.
Often it is whitening plus one bonded edge rather than six veneers. Sometimes it genuinely is the veneers. But the conservative option should have been considered and named, not skipped.
What this practice will not do
- Prepare teeth without showing you a mock-up first
- Quote a smile in a number of units before anyone has looked at your bite
- Promise a result that depends on how you photograph rather than how you look
- Recommend veneers where whitening and bonding would do
Common questions
Asked at the front desk.
What is the least invasive cosmetic dental treatment?
Whitening, which removes nothing from the tooth, followed by bonding, which removes little or none. Veneers permanently remove a layer of enamel and are worth reserving for cases where shape, shade and alignment all need changing.
Should I whiten before or after getting veneers?
Before, always. Porcelain and composite do not change colour, so anything made before you whiten will be matched to the old shade and stand out afterwards.
Can crooked teeth be fixed without braces or aligners?
Veneers can make crooked teeth look straight without moving them, but at the cost of permanently removing enamel. Moving the teeth is usually the more conservative answer.
How much does cosmetic dentistry cost?
It is quoted in writing at the appointment, per tooth, with the insurance estimate beside it where any part is covered. Fees are not quoted from a website because the number depends on the teeth.
Next step
One phone call, and someone answers it.
3608 Carrington Rd #204, West Kelowna. Thursdays until 7pm, Fridays from 7am. Accepting new patients of every age.