If you want to improve how your smile looks, cosmetic dental services may be worth looking into. hellodent can help you search for participating clinics in Calgary, sort them by rating or distance, and request an appointment from a provider's profile. Not every clinic offers the same treatments, so it helps to compare your options before booking.
What Are Cosmetic Dental Services?
Cosmetic dental services are treatments that focus on how your teeth and smile look. They can change the colour, shape, size, or spacing of your teeth. Common examples include veneers, bonding, contouring, and whitening. Some treatments also help your teeth work better, but the main goal is appearance.
In Alberta, cosmetic dental services may be offered by general dentists. Some treatments, such as veneers or bonding, are done in the dental office over one or more visits. Your provider can walk you through what each option may involve and which one could suit your goals during a first visit.
How Much Do Cosmetic Dental Services Cost in Calgary?
Cost is usually the first thing people want to know, and it can vary widely. The price in Calgary depends on the treatment you choose and how many teeth are involved.
Calgary Cosmetic Dental Services Price Ranges
| Treatment | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|
| Dental bonding (per tooth) | $300 to $600 |
| Porcelain veneers (per tooth) | $900 to $2,500 |
| Teeth whitening (in-office) | $300 to $800 |
| Tooth contouring (per tooth) | $100 to $300 |
These figures are an estimate. Your actual cost can change based on your provider and how many teeth you treat. hellodent can help you compare clinics in Calgary so you can request a quote that fits your plan.
What Affects the Cost?
- The treatment you pick, since veneers usually cost more than bonding or contouring.
- How many teeth you want treated, as a single tooth costs less than a full smile makeover.
- The material used, such as porcelain versus composite resin.
- Whether you need any prep work first, which may add to the cost of your visit.
Types of Cosmetic Dental Services Available in Calgary
Cosmetic dental services cover several treatments. Here are the common options you may find at Calgary clinics.
Veneers
Veneers are thin shells, usually porcelain or composite, that cover the front of a tooth. They can change colour, shape, and spacing. Porcelain veneers tend to last longer, while composite ones often cost less.
Dental Bonding
Bonding uses a tooth-coloured resin to fix chips, gaps, or stains. Your dentist shapes the resin onto the tooth and hardens it with a light. It can often be done in a single visit.
Tooth Contouring
Contouring reshapes the enamel to smooth out uneven edges or small overlaps. It is a small treatment and may be paired with bonding for a fuller change.
Teeth Whitening
In-office whitening can lift stains and brighten your teeth in one or two appointments. Some clinics also offer custom take-home kits. Results can vary based on your starting shade.
Smile Makeover
A smile makeover combines several treatments into one plan. It may mix veneers, whitening, and contouring to change your overall look. Your provider can map out the steps and costs before you start.
Where to Find Cosmetic Dental Services Providers in Calgary
Calgary has clinics across the city that may offer cosmetic dental services. Here are some areas where you can search:
- Central: Downtown, Beltline, Kensington, Mission
- North: Northwest, Bridgeland
- South and East: Marda Loop, Inglewood
You can use hellodent to search by location or address and sort clinics by distance. The nearest clinic is not always the right fit. A provider's experience with the treatment you want can matter more than how close they are, so compare a few before you choose.
How to Choose a Cosmetic Dental Services Provider in Calgary
Every dentist in Alberta must be registered with the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA). You can check a provider's credentials through the CDSA. Look for someone who has experience with the specific treatment you want and can show you examples of similar work.
Many cosmetic treatments can be performed by general dentists. For more complicated cases, your dentist may refer you to a specialist who works within that specialty only. A few questions can help you compare:
- How many treatments like the one I want have you done?
- What materials do you use, and how long may they last?
- What is the estimated cost of my visit?
- Can you show me what my results may look like before we start?
Paying for Cosmetic Dental Services in Calgary
For most Alberta residents, dental care like cosmetic treatment is typically paid out of pocket or through private insurance. The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) generally does not cover treatments done for appearance. If you have a private dental plan, it may cover some or most of the cost when a treatment also serves a health purpose, but plans rarely cover purely cosmetic work. Check your plan details first.
You may be eligible for coverage under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), a dental program funded by the federal government and administered by Sun Life. The CDCP does not cover veneers or teeth whitening, since these are cosmetic. It may cover some other dental services for people who qualify, with frequency limits. To be eligible, you need a household income under $90,000 per year, no private dental coverage, and a filed tax return for the previous year. You can apply for coverage through the Government of Canada website. Coverage needs to be renewed annually.
Many Calgary clinics also offer payment plans that spread the cost over several months. Ask about interest-free options when you compare providers.
*The content provided in this article, including text, graphics, and referenced material, is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your dentist or another qualified oral health professional for questions regarding your dental condition. Never disregard professional dental advice or delay seeking it based on information from this article. If you believe you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist, or seek immediate assistance from an oral healthcare professional. The information in this article has been gathered based on information available online and has not been fact checked by a dental professional.
