Having a smile you absolutely love and adore can really be life changing. It boosts your self-esteem and confidence, and frees up the mental space that was used for worrying about the appearance of your teeth. And, instead of smiling with your lips closed or not smiling at all, it allows you to really express your emotions and build connections. You can go out and achieve your goals with one less thing getting in your way.
Seeing these changes in my patients is one of the reasons I love practicing cosmetic dentistry in Vancouver and want to make it accessible. At Nest Dental, my team and I offer a range of cosmetic dental procedures at a variety of price points. From temporary, non-invasive options to more extensive, permanent solutions, here are some of the dental treatments that can enhance the appearance and health of your smile:
1. Cosmetic Dental Bonding
What is dental bonding?
Cosmetic dental bonding is a super affordable, simple way to instantly fix minor tooth imperfections with no drilling necessary. With dental bonding, I use a composite resin to replace missing tooth structure or cover defects like chips, small gaps and discoloration.
How does it work?
The dental bonding procedure is painless. I apply a high quality, tooth-coloured composite resin to the affected area. The resin then bonds with your enamel, strengthening the tooth. Once cured, I polish the bonding material so that it’s indistinguishable from your natural enamel.
Who can benefit from dental bonding?
Dental bonding isn’t permanent like veneers and none of your natural tooth structure needs to be removed for the bonding procedure. This makes it a great option for anyone who’d like to fix small problems that don’t affect function or oral health.
It can also be helpful for those who aren’t ready to commit to permanent restorations or for teenage patients who need an interim solution until they’re done growing.
How long does dental bonding last?
With good oral hygiene, dental bonding can last three to 10 years.
2. Teeth Whitening
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is another affordable cosmetic dental procedure. The whitening solution penetrates teeth, dissolving set-in stains and brightening the enamel. While you can whiten your teeth at home with all sorts of different products, nothing matches the safety profile and results of professional, dentist-directed teeth whitening.
How does it work?
As a Vancouver BC cosmetic dentist, I use a medical-grade whitening solution that’s stronger than what you can get over-the-counter, but formulated to be safer on enamel. First, I assess your smile to make sure you’re a good candidate for whitening. If you are, you can pick the ideal shade for your smile for more personalized results.
We’ll protect your tooth roots and gums to prevent sensitivity and set you up with your favourite Netflix show, music or podcast. You’ll sit back and relax while a special light activates the whitening gel. Our Vancouver teeth whitening treatment takes less than an hour and, afterwards, you’ll walk out of our Fraser Street office with a brighter, stain-free smile.
Who can benefit from teeth whitening?
Anyone who’s unhappy with the color of their teeth can benefit from teeth whitening. However, we don’t recommend the treatment for kids under the age of 13 or people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How long does professional teeth whitening last?
Professional teeth whitening usually lasts one to three years, though if you’re diligent about brushing and flossing, you keep up with regular dental check-ups and you avoid staining foods and drinks, it can last longer.
3. BOTOX®
What is BOTOX?
Fix your smile with Botox? Yes! While Botox can’t be used to transform the color or shape of your teeth, it can be used to create the ideal frame for your smile. It’s a more affordable and less invasive alternative to surgery for a range of concerns.
Botox is a neuromodulator that’s injected into targeted muscles. It temporarily stops the muscles from contracting, which makes the overlying skin wrinkle-free and smooth and helps with issues like muscle spasms.
How does it work?
As a Botox dentist, I offer therapeutic treatment, such as injections for bruxism, TMD and facial pain. However, it’s also highly effective for cosmetic purposes. In the context of cosmetic dentistry, Botox for gummy smiles is a popular treatment. In this case, Botox limits how much the upper lip rises, keeping more gum tissue covered when you smile.
We can also perform a Botox smile lift. By injecting Botox by the corners of the mouth, it smooths wrinkles and causes the corners to lift, creating a friendlier, more youthful look. Other uses include Botox to soften the jawline and to address facial lines and wrinkles.
The procedure only takes about 10 minutes. First, I’ll talk with you about your health history to make sure Botox is safe for you. If it is, I’ll inject the Botox into precise spots using a fine needle. Then, you can go about the rest of your day! It takes two weeks to see the full effects.
Who can benefit from Botox?
Botox is safe for adults who aren’t pregnant, breastfeeding or allergic to any ingredients in the product and who don’t have a neurological disorder. When you visit Nest Dental in Riley Park-Little Mountain, I’ll be able to let you know if Botox is the best way to get the results you’re looking for.
How long does Botox last?
Botox lasts four to six months.
4. Porcelain Veneers
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom shells that are bonded to your teeth, covering the front and sides. Veneers are permanent and more expensive than some other treatment options. On the flip side, they can fix multiple concerns in a single procedure. They’re seriously the ultimate smile makeover.
Veneers can mask stains, chips and cracks, misshapen teeth, worn teeth and spacing. The end result is an even, white, straight smile.
How does it work?
Our Vancouver veneer services combine technical know-how, technology and artistry to create natural-looking results. To start, a Nest Dental team member will take digital dental impressions that will be used to create a computerized, 3D model of your mouth.
I’ll plan your treatment on the model and even be able to show you a digital preview of what the results will look like. You’ll have the opportunity to offer feedback, ensuring the outcome is exactly what you want.
After removing a tiny bit of enamel so the veneers will fit, I’ll bond temporary veneers on your teeth. You’ll test them out and see if you’re happy with how they look and feel before I place your permanent restorations.
Your permanent porcelain veneers will be custom-made based on the 3D model of your new smile. Each veneer will be the ideal shape, size and color and hand-glazed to look like natural enamel. When your restorations are ready, I’ll remove your temporaries and bond your permanent veneers in place.
Who can benefit from porcelain veneers?
Veneers are excellent for adults who’d like to fix cosmetic issues but whose teeth are otherwise fairly healthy. Veneers can cover gaps, crooked or uneven teeth, discoloration, chips or cracks, worn teeth and teeth with surface defects like pitting.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers last an average of 15 years. But with excellent care, they can last for decades.
5. Full Mouth Reconstruction
What is full mouth reconstruction?
Full mouth reconstruction, or full mouth rehabilitation, is a combination of different restorative and cosmetic dental procedures aimed at rebuilding or replacing most or all of the teeth in your mouth. The ultimate goal of treatment is to restore the appearance of your smile, as well as your oral health and ability to chew, bite and speak.
The specific treatments we use will depend on your unique situation and smile goals. It could include a combination of things like dental implants, Invisalign®, dental crowns, dental bridges, veneers, tooth-coloured fillings, dentures, teeth whitening, bone and tissue grafting, and more.
How does it work?
The full mouth rehabilitation process starts with a consultation. After performing an exam, taking necessary diagnostic records and talking with you about your oral health and goals, we’ll take digital scans of your teeth. A digital 3D model of your mouth will be created, and I’ll show you simulations of how different treatment recommendations can revitalize your smile.
Once we decide on a course of action, I’ll use treatment planning software to design your new smile, ensuring it complements your dental and facial anatomy. You’ll have the chance to see a mockup and give feedback.
I’ll work with you to create a sequence of treatments. Depending on the specifics, I may stage your treatment, completing it over time in a way that fits your schedule and budget.
Who can benefit from full mouth reconstruction?
Adult patients with a number of dental issues throughout their mouth, such as large fillings that are failing, missing teeth, decayed teeth and severe damage from things like trauma or bruxism may be candidates for full mouth reconstruction.
How long does full-mouth rehabilitation last?
With good oral hygiene and regular preventative dental care, it can last a lifetime! Since treatment may consist of multiple components, even if say, one dental crown needs replacing, it doesn’t mean anything else will require re-treatment.
6. Invisalign®
Invisalign isn’t actually a cosmetic dental procedure. It’s a type of orthodontic treatment, and the benefits go beyond simply straightening your teeth. In fact, treatment may improve your oral and overall health.
That said, the cosmetic perks are undeniable, which is why I included it. Getting a straighter smile can enhance your appearance, create facial symmetry and give you a more youthful, healthy look.
As a general dentist practicing orthodontics, I use clear aligner treatment on its own to help patients get a smile they love, as well as in tandem with other procedures, ranging from dental implants to full mouth rehabilitation.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign involves a series of custom, 3D-printed clear, thermoplastic aligners. The aligners exert pressure to shift teeth into place.
How does it work?
After a team member takes digital scans of your teeth, I’ll create your treatment plan on a digital 3D model of your mouth. I’ll send your treatment plan to the Invisalign lab, and a series of aligners will be printed just for you, according to my specifications.
You’ll wear your aligners for about 22 hours per day, taking them out to eat, drink, and brush and floss. You’ll change to a new set every one to two weeks. Each set of aligners is designed to achieve specific tooth movements. When you complete the full series of aligners, you’ll have a new smile to show for it.
Who can benefit from Invisalign?
Teens and adults with crowded or crooked teeth, gaps between the teeth and bite problems, including an overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite may benefit from Invisalign. The only way to know for certain whether or not you’re a candidate is to visit an Invisalign dentist for an exam.
How long do Invisalign results last?
I’ll make you custom retainers after Invisalign treatment to hold your teeth in their final positions. As long as you wear your retainers according to the instructions, your results can last a lifetime.
Schedule a Visit With a Cosmetic Dentist in Vancouver, BC
At Nest Dental on Fraser Street, my team and I deliver high quality care in a gorgeous, soothing space. With private treatment suites and custom entertainment options, getting a smile you’re proud to show off will be a surprisingly enjoyable experience.
Whatever your dental needs, we have solutions for every budget and concern. To find out which of our Vancouver cosmetic dentistry procedures is right for you, schedule an appointment at Nest today!
