one-time new patient offer $190 (includes comprehensive check up and clean, 3 sets of radiographs and fluoride treatment)

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry? A Guide to Treatments, Benefits and Costs

Cosmetic dentistry can improve the appearance of your smile by addressing tooth colour, shape, spacing and alignment. Treatment options include teeth whitening, dental bonding, veneers and clear aligners. More complex restorative treatments may also be considered based on your dental needs.

The right cosmetic dentistry treatment depends on your oral health, smile goals and individual dental needs. Your dentist can assess your teeth and recommend suitable options. This guide covers common treatments, benefits, suitability and costs.

In This Guide

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

If you are wondering “What is cosmetic dentistry”, it refers to dental treatments that improve the appearance of your smile. These treatments may change the colour, shape, size or position of teeth and can sometimes support function as well.

Cosmetic dentistry can include:

  • Improving tooth colour
  • Reshaping uneven teeth
  • Closing small gaps
  • Improving tooth alignment
  • Replacing missing teeth
  • Enhancing the overall appearance of your smile

In Australia, “cosmetic dentist” is not a recognised dental specialty. Dentists must work within their education, training, experience and scope of practice.

What Does Cosmetic Dentistry Include?

Cosmetic treatment options vary depending on the concerns you want to address and your desired results. Cosmetic dentistry procedures can range from simple treatments to more comprehensive smile improvements. Your dentist can recommend suitable options after assessing your teeth, gums and overall oral health.

Procedure What It Can Address Purpose
Teeth Whitening Surface stains and tooth discolouration Brighten the appearance of natural teeth
Dental Bonding Small chips, gaps and uneven shapes Reshape teeth using tooth-coloured composite resin
Dental Veneers Discolouration, uneven shapes and minor imperfections Improve the colour and shape of the front teeth
Clear Aligners Certain crowding, spacing and alignment concerns Gradually move teeth into improved positions
Dental Crowns Damaged or weakened teeth Restore tooth shape and provide structural protection
Gum Contouring Uneven gum lines or excessive visible gum Create a more balanced gum and tooth appearance
Dental Implants Missing teeth Replace missing teeth and restore appearance and function

Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

There are several types of cosmetic dentistry available for different smile concerns. Treatment options can address tooth colour, shape, spacing and alignment. Your dentist can recommend suitable treatments after assessing your teeth, gums, bite and overall oral health.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is designed to lighten natural tooth colour and reduce certain types of staining. Professional whitening and over-the-counter products offer different approaches, so a dental assessment should come first to check whether treatment is appropriate.

Important points to consider with whitening:

  • Brightens natural tooth colour
  • Professional and at-home options
  • Works on selected types of stains
  • Dental assessment before treatment
  • Results fade over time

Dental Bonding

With dental bonding, a tooth-coloured composite resin is shaped directly onto the tooth to improve its appearance. It can be useful for small cosmetic changes and usually requires less tooth alteration than veneers.

What to know about dental bonding:

  • Uses tooth-coloured composite resin
  • Repairs small chips and gaps
  • Reshapes uneven-looking teeth
  • Requires minimal tooth alteration
  • Often completed in one visit

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are individually made shells placed over the front of selected teeth. They can improve tooth colour, shape and minor imperfections but require more preparation than bonding.

Key considerations before choosing veneers:

  • Custom-made for individual teeth
  • Covers the front tooth surface
  • Changes tooth colour and shape
  • Addresses selected cosmetic imperfections
  • Requires dental assessment and preparation
  • More involved than dental bonding
Dental BondingPorcelain Veneers
Composite resin materialCeramic material
Usually more conservativeUsually requires tooth preparation
Best suited to minor changesCan address broader cosmetic concerns
Often completed in fewer visitsUsually involves multiple treatment stages

For more information about the advantages and considerations of this treatment, read our guide on whether veneers are healthy for your teeth.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners use a series of removable trays to move teeth into planned positions gradually. They can help with certain crowding, spacing and alignment concerns while offering a less noticeable option than traditional braces.

Key features of clear aligner treatment:

  • Gradually moves teeth into position
  • Addresses selected alignment concerns
  • Removable during daily activities
  • Less noticeable than traditional braces
  • Suitability depends on individual needs

Clear aligners are not limited to cosmetic improvements. They may also help address certain bite and tooth-position concerns when orthodontic treatment is appropriate.

Want to understand the treatment process in more detail? Read our guide on how clear aligners work.

Smile Makeover

A smile makeover is not one specific dental procedure. It combines suitable treatments to address several smile concerns based on your individual goals.

Possible treatments may include:

  • Whitening
  • Bonding
  • Veneers
  • Clear aligners
  • Suitable restorative treatments

Assess → Plan → Treat → Review

Your dentist can determine which combination is appropriate after assessing your oral health and treatment goals.

 

What Are the Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry?

The cosmetic dentistry benefits can include improvements to smile appearance and confidence. Depending on the treatment, some procedures may also support tooth function, alignment or easier cleaning.

Improved smile appearance

Treatments can address concerns involving tooth colour, shape, spacing and alignment.

Greater confidence

Feeling happier with your smile may help you feel more confident in social and professional situations.

More balanced proportions

Bonding, veneers and gum treatments can improve the visual balance of your smile.

Easier cleaning

Improving certain alignment concerns may make some areas easier to clean.

Tooth restoration

Crowns, bonding and implants can restore damaged or missing teeth when clinically appropriate.

Improved function

Certain treatments can address tooth position or bite-related concerns when indicated.

Who Can Have Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry may be suitable for many adults, but treatment depends on individual oral health and dental needs. Active decay or gum disease may need treatment before elective cosmetic procedures.

Suitability may depend on:

  • Oral health
  • Condition of your teeth and gums
  • Bite and alignment
  • Treatment goals
  • Existing dental work
  • Overall treatment expectations

Your dentist can assess your mouth and recommend options that are appropriate for your needs.

How Much Does Cosmetic Dentistry Cost?

The cosmetic dentistry cost varies depending on the treatment, number of teeth involved and overall complexity. Materials, appointments and combining multiple procedures can also affect the final cost.

What Can Affect Cosmetic Dentistry Cost?

  • Type of treatment
  • Number of teeth involved
  • Treatment complexity
  • Materials used
  • Number of appointments
  • Whether multiple procedures are combined

Cosmetic Dental Prices at South Morang Smiles

South Morang Smiles currently lists the following starting prices for selected cosmetic dental services:

TreatmentStarting Price
Teeth WhiteningFrom $400
Porcelain Veneers From $170
Dental ImplantsFrom $170
Clear Aligner and OrthodonticFrom $200

Prices can vary based on your individual treatment needs. A consultation is required to determine the appropriate treatment plan and final cost.

Improve Your Smile With Personalised Cosmetic Dental Care

If you are considering cosmetic dentistry in South Morang, South Morang Smiles provides personalised dental care in a family-friendly environment. Modern facilities support tailored treatment planning for different smile concerns. The focus remains on helping patients achieve a natural-looking smile that suits their needs.

Whether you are considering whitening, veneers, implants or orthodontic treatment, the team can assess your needs. Suitable options will be explained based on your oral health and smile goals. For enquiries or appointments, contact us on 03 9404 5279 or email info@smsmiles.com.au.

FAQs

Does teeth whitening hurt?

Teeth whitening may cause temporary sensitivity or mild gum irritation. These effects usually settle within a few days.

Treatment longevity varies by procedure, oral hygiene and lifestyle habits. Your dentist can explain the expected lifespan of your chosen treatment.

Yes, treatments can be planned to complement your natural teeth, facial features and smile. Your dentist can discuss suitable shades, shapes and materials.

Reversibility depends on the procedure you choose. Some treatments are reversible, while others involve permanent changes to the teeth.

Good brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups can help maintain your results. Avoiding habits that can damage or stain teeth may also help.