Cosmetic dentistry on your mind? Here is where to start learning
Cosmetic dentistry covers treatments that change how your teeth look, such as their colour, shape, size or alignment. At Avenue Dental that includes teeth whitening, composite veneers and bonding, porcelain veneers and smile makeovers.
This guide explains what each option involves and how they compare, so you can start the conversation knowing what’s possible. Every plan begins with a free cosmetic consultation and a 3D smile preview, so you can see a likely result before you decide anything.
Disclaimer: Cosmetic dental outcomes vary between individuals. Your dentist will provide a personalised assessment and explain all options, risks, and expected outcomes before proceeding with treatment. Please see here for treatment risks.
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is any dental treatment where the main goal is to change the appearance of your teeth. Some treatments are as simple as whitening, while others combine several steps, such as straightening teeth before veneers.
Your teeth and gums need to be healthy first, so your dentist checks for decay, gum concerns and worn fillings before planning any cosmetic work.
People often come to us about
- Teeth that have stained or darkened over time
- Chipped, worn or uneven edge
- Small gaps between teeth
- Teeth that differ in size or shape
- Old fillings or crowns that no longer match
The right option depends on what you’d like to change and the condition of your teeth now.
Smile previews and 3D renders are illustrative tools only. They’re designed to help you explore options and are not a guarantee of final results. Your dentist will discuss what’s realistically achievable for you during your consultation.
Cosmetic treatment options
Each option suits a different kind of concern. Many people end up with a combination, which your dentist will map out with you.
01
Teeth whitening
Lightens the natural shade of your teeth with professional-strength gel in custom trays you wear at home. Some practices also offer in-chair whitening.
About teeth whitening →
02
Composite veneers and bonding
Tooth-coloured resin is shaped directly onto your teeth to change their shape, close small gaps or repair chips, usually with little or no drilling.
About composite veneers →
03
Hybrid veneers
Made on a dental 3D printer from a blend of ceramic and composite resin. They need no tooth preparation and are fitted after a scan and one fitting appointment.
About hybrid veneers →
04
Porcelain veneers
Thin porcelain shells are made in a dental lab and bonded to the front of your teeth, changing their colour, shape and size together.
About porcelain veneers →
05
Smile makeover
A planned combination of treatments, such as Invisalign, whitening and veneers, designed together and carried out in the right order.
About smile makeovers →
Teeth out of line? Invisalign may be the first step →
How the options compare
A side-by-side of the main options. Your dentist will talk you through what applies to your teeth.
| Question | Teeth whitening | Composite veneers | Hybrid veneers | Porcelain veneers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it’s made from | Professional whitening gel | Composite resin, shaped by hand | Ceramic and composite blend, 3D printed | Porcelain, made in a dental lab |
| What it changes | Colour of natural teeth | Shape, chips, small gaps and colour | Colour, shape and size | Colour, shape and size |
| Tooth preparation | None | Little or none | None | A thin layer of enamel is usually removed |
| Time in the chair | A short fitting visit, then trays at home | Longer appointments, as each veneer is sculpted by hand | A scan, then a fitting appointment | Longer appointments for tooth preparation, scans and fitting |
| Can it be repaired? | Top-ups as needed | Yes, usually in the chair | Often, depending on the damage | Usually replaced if damaged |
Cosmetic dentistry near you
Free cosmetic consultations with a 3D smile preview are available at Avenue Dental practices across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide. Choose your area to find your nearest practice.
What does cosmetic dentistry cost?
The cost depends on the treatment, how many teeth are involved and the materials used. Your dentist gives you an exact quote at the free consultation, before you decide anything.
A written plan and quote
Your quote sets out each stage of treatment, so you know the full cost before you commit.
Interest-free payment plans
Spread the cost with interest-free plans through Humm, with approval and terms assessed by Humm. Afterpay, Zip and TLC are also available. See our payment plans →
Private health insurance
Purely cosmetic treatments such as whitening usually aren’t covered. Some extras policies may contribute to parts of treatment like crowns, so it’s worth checking with your fund.
Request a cosmetic price guide
Want an idea of pricing first? Our treatment coordinator will send you a price guide for the options you’re interested in.
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How your cosmetic treatment is planned
You see and try your new smile before anything is final. Some steps vary depending on the option you choose.
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1
Free consultation
Your dentist checks your teeth and gums and talks through what you’d like to change. A 3D scan of your teeth is used to create a 3D smile preview of a likely result.
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2
Designing your smile
This is where most of the planning happens. Your dentist takes time to understand what you like, uses your 3D smile preview to explore ideas, and talks through how different options could look.
Together you’ll look at
- Tooth shape
- Length
- Colour and shade
- Proportions
- How it suits your face
- Which option fits
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3
Smile try-in
A model of your planned result, made from a simple material, is tried in over your teeth so you can see and feel the shape, colour and length. Adjustments can be made before anything is final.
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4
Your treatment
How this step works depends on the option you choose.
CompositeEach veneer is sculpted by hand onto your teeth in the chair.HybridYour veneers are 3D printed from your smile design, with no tooth preparation.PorcelainTeeth are prepared and scanned, and your veneers are made in a dental lab. -
5
See them before they’re fitted
For hybrid and porcelain veneers, your dentist places them on your teeth so you can see them in place before they’re permanently bonded.
3D previews and smile try-ins are planning tools and show a likely result. Final results vary from person to person.
Why Choose Avenue Dental for Cosmetic Dentistry?
At Avenue Dental, aesthetics aren’t an afterthought they’re woven into everything we do when it comes to cosmetic dental care. Our dentists take the time to understand your preferences and concerns before recommending a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
We use modern technology and carefully selected materials to support outcomes that are designed to be both functional and natural-looking. Our porcelain and ceramic restorations are chosen not just for their durability, but also for their ability to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth – so your smile feels like you, only elevated.
Disclaimer: Results of cosmetic dental treatment vary between individuals. Trial smiles provide an approximation of outcomes and are used for planning and communication purposes only. Your dentist will explain all treatment options, risks, and expected outcomes during your consultation. Please see here for treatment risks.
Flexible payment plans
At Avenue Dental on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne, we understand that dental treatment can be difficult to fit into your budget, which is why we offer a range of different dental payment plan options.
Cosmetic dentistry FAQs
Questions people ask us most. Anything else, your dentist can answer at the free consultation.
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is dental treatment aimed mainly at changing how your teeth look, such as their colour, shape, size or alignment. Common options include teeth whitening, composite veneers and bonding, hybrid veneers, porcelain veneers and smile makeovers.
What are the different types of veneers?
Avenue Dental offers three types of veneers. Composite veneers are sculpted by hand from tooth-coloured resin. Hybrid veneers are 3D printed from a blend of ceramic and composite resin. Porcelain veneers are made in a dental lab from thin porcelain. Your dentist will explain which suits your teeth.
What are hybrid veneers?
Hybrid veneers are made on a dental 3D printer from a blend of ceramic and composite resin. They need no tooth preparation, and treatment usually involves a scan and then a fitting appointment.
What’s the difference between composite and porcelain veneers?
Composite veneers are sculpted by hand from tooth-coloured resin directly onto your teeth, with little or no drilling. Porcelain veneers are made in a dental lab from thin porcelain and usually need a thin layer of enamel removed. Both take longer in the chair than hybrid veneers.
Is composite bonding the same as composite veneers?
They use the same tooth-coloured material. Bonding usually refers to smaller repairs, like a chip or a small gap, while composite veneers cover the whole front surface of a tooth.
How long do veneers last?
How long veneers last depends on the material, your bite and how you look after them. Your dentist will talk you through what to expect for each option, including how composite and hybrid veneers can often be repaired.
Do veneers damage your teeth?
Porcelain veneers usually need a thin layer of enamel removed, which can’t be replaced, so they’re considered a long-term commitment. Composite veneers often need little or no preparation, and hybrid veneers are fitted with no tooth preparation.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have crowns or veneers?
Whitening only lightens natural teeth. Crowns, veneers and fillings keep their original shade, so if you’re planning both, whitening is usually done first and any new work is matched to your whitened teeth.
What teeth whitening options do you offer?
All of our practices offer professional take-home whitening with custom-made trays. Some practices also offer in-chair whitening. Your dentist checks your teeth first, as whitening isn’t suitable for everyone.
What is a smile makeover?
A smile makeover is a combination of treatments planned together, such as Invisalign, whitening and veneers. Your dentist designs the end result first, then carries out each treatment in the right order.
What happens at a cosmetic consultation?
Your dentist checks your teeth and gums and talks through what you’d like to change. A 3D scan is used to create a 3D smile preview, and you’ll talk through shape, length, colour and which options could suit you. The consultation is free.
What is a smile try-in?
A smile try-in is a model of your planned result, made from a simple material and tried in over your teeth. It lets you see and feel the shape, colour and length before the final treatment is made, and adjustments can be made.
Can I see my veneers before they’re fitted?
Yes. For hybrid and porcelain veneers, your dentist places them on your teeth so you can see them in place before they’re permanently bonded.
How much does cosmetic dentistry cost?
The cost depends on the treatment, how many teeth are involved and the materials used. Your dentist gives you an exact quote at your free consultation, or you can request a price guide from our treatment coordinator. Interest-free payment plans are available.
Does private health insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?
Treatments that are purely cosmetic, such as whitening, usually aren’t covered. Some extras policies may contribute to parts of treatment like crowns, so it’s worth checking with your fund.
Do I need healthy teeth before cosmetic treatment?
Yes. Any decay, gum concerns or worn fillings are usually treated first, so cosmetic work is built on a healthy base.
