Cosmetic Dentistry Options: Whitening, Bonding, Invisalign or Crowns?
Most people who ask about cosmetic dentistry have one thing that bothers them about their smile. The right fix depends on what that thing is. Whitening won’t close a gap, and Invisalign won’t fix a stain. Here’s how the main options match up with the most common problems.
Stained or yellow teeth: whitening
If your teeth are healthy but darker than you’d like, teeth whitening is usually the first thing to try. You can whiten in the chair or at home with custom trays. It only lightens natural enamel, so fillings, crowns and bonding stay the same colour. We check for cavities and gum problems before you start.
Chipped teeth or small gaps: bonding
Tooth-coloured composite can rebuild a chipped edge or close a small gap, often with little or no drilling. Bioclear bonding is one way of doing this that shapes the composite in a clear mould. It’s usually done in one visit. Bonding can stain and chip over time, so it may need touching up after some years.
Crooked or crowded teeth: Invisalign
If the teeth themselves are out of line, the fix is moving them. Invisalign uses clear aligners you change every one to two weeks. It takes longer than bonding or whitening, but it changes the position of the teeth rather than covering them up.
Badly broken or heavily filled teeth: crowns
When a tooth has a large filling, a crack, or a root canal, a crown covers and protects the whole tooth. It can also be matched to the colour of your other teeth. If you’re planning to whiten, do that first, because the crown is made to match your teeth at that point.
A missing tooth: implant or bridge
A gap from a missing tooth can be filled with a dental implant or a bridge. Dr. Sophie places and restores implants in our office, and she’ll go through both options with you.
Combining treatments
Plenty of people use two of these. A common order is Invisalign first, then whitening, then bonding or a crown to match the new shade. We’ll tell you what order makes sense for your teeth at a consultation.
Common questions
Does insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?
Whitening usually isn’t covered. Crowns and some bonding may be partly covered when they repair damage, and plans with orthodontic coverage often pay part of Invisalign.
What’s the quickest option?
Whitening and bonding can often be done in one visit. Invisalign takes months.
Book a consultation
Call 905-832-4886. We’re at 9300 Keele St, Unit 1, in Maple, open Saturdays from 8 am to 3 pm and Wednesdays until 8 pm.
