Vancouver has dental practices that may offer cosmetic dental services, from teeth whitening and bonding to veneers and full smile plans. If you want to change the colour, shape, or spacing of your teeth, hellodent can help you search for participating providers in the area, sort by rating or distance, and request an appointment. BC's MSP does not include dental coverage, so most patients pay out of pocket or through private insurance.
What Are Cosmetic Dental Services?
Cosmetic dental services are treatments that improve how your teeth and smile look. They can change the colour, shape, size, or spacing of your teeth. Common options include teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, and reshaping. Some treatments are quick, while others take a few visits.
Many of these treatments also restore function, not just appearance. In British Columbia, cosmetic dental services may be provided by general dentists, and some have extra training in this area. For complex smile changes, a general dentist may work with a specialist who focuses on a single area.
How Much Do Cosmetic Dental Services Cost in Vancouver?
Cost is one of the first things people ask about. The price depends on the treatment, how many teeth are involved, and the materials used. A single bonding repair costs far less than a set of veneers.
Vancouver Cosmetic Treatment Price Ranges
| Treatment | Vancouver Price Range |
|---|
| Teeth whitening (in-office) | $350 to $800 |
| Dental bonding (per tooth) | $250 to $650 |
| Porcelain veneer (per tooth) | $1,000 to $2,700 |
| Tooth contouring (per tooth) | $100 to $350 |
| Smile makeover (multi-treatment plan) | $3,000 to $20,000+ |
According to the hellodent Canadian Dental Health Guide, these are estimates only. Actual costs vary by clinic, by the material you choose, and by how many teeth are treated.
What Affects the Cost?
- The treatment type, from simple whitening to custom veneers.
- The number of teeth you want treated.
- The material, since porcelain usually costs more than composite resin.
- Clinic location and overhead, since a downtown practice may have higher rent than a suburban one.
Types of Cosmetic Dental Services Available in Vancouver
Different goals call for different treatments. Here are the common options Vancouver clinics may offer.
Teeth Whitening
Whitening lifts stains from coffee, tea, wine, or age. In-office whitening works faster than take-home kits, though results vary by person. It is one of the simpler ways to brighten a smile.
Dental Bonding
Bonding uses a tooth-coloured resin to fix small chips, gaps, or stains. The dentist shapes the resin onto the tooth and hardens it with a light. It usually takes one visit and costs less than veneers.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are thin shells bonded to the front of your teeth. They can cover stains, chips, and gaps and reshape a smile. Porcelain veneers may last many years with good care, though they cost more than bonding.
Tooth Contouring
Contouring gently reshapes the edges of teeth that look uneven or pointed. It is a small change that can make a smile look more even, and it is often quick and low-cost.
Smile Makeover
A smile makeover combines several treatments into one plan, such as whitening, veneers, and contouring. The dentist maps out the steps and the cost before any work begins.
Where to Find Cosmetic Dental Service Providers in Vancouver
Vancouver has clinics across the city, so you can likely find a provider near home or work. Common areas to search include:
Downtown: Downtown, West End, Yaletown, Coal Harbour
West Side: Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, Kerrisdale, Marpole
East Side: Commercial Drive, East Vancouver, Renfrew, Hastings-Sunrise
Use hellodent to search by your location or address and sort by distance to find clinics near you. When choosing, a provider's experience with the treatment you want may matter more than how close they are. For veneers or a smile makeover, it can help to find a dentist who does that work often.
How to Choose a Cosmetic Dental Service Provider in Vancouver
Credentials to Look For
Every dentist in British Columbia must be registered with the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP). You can check a provider's credentials through the regulator. For veneers or a full smile plan, look for a dentist who shows before-and-after examples of their own work.
Specialist vs General Dentist
Many cosmetic treatments can be performed by general dentists, who also handle routine care and common treatments. For complex cases involving the gums or tooth structure, a general dentist may refer you to a specialist, who works within that specialty only.
Questions to Ask at Your First Visit
- Do you offer the treatment I think I need for my smile goal?
- Can you show me examples of similar work you have done?
- What is the estimated cost of my visit and the full treatment?
- How long should the results last, and what upkeep is involved?
Paying for Cosmetic Dental Services in Vancouver
Insurance Coverage in British Columbia
For most BC residents, dental care is typically paid out of pocket or through private insurance. The Medical Services Plan (MSP) does not cover cosmetic dental services, though it may cover dental work performed in a hospital. Private plans rarely cover treatments done purely for appearance, though they may cover part of the cost when a treatment also restores function, such as a crown after damage. Ask your insurer for a pre-treatment estimate.
CDCP Coverage
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 is available for Canadians with household income under $90,000 per year and no private dental insurance. Treatments done purely for appearance, such as veneers and teeth whitening, are not covered by the CDCP. Frequency limits may apply to other treatments that are covered. Apply for coverage through the Government of Canada website. Coverage will need to be renewed annually.
Financing and Payment Plans
Some Vancouver clinics may offer in-house payment plans or partner with third-party financing companies. A smile makeover can stretch across several visits, so payments are sometimes split by stage. Ask about options before treatment starts.
*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.
