Your Ultimate Guide to Cosmetic Dentistry: Types, Services & Costs

Kristy O'Hara
4 days ago
5 min read

At Elite Dental, we specialise in cosmetic dentistry, but we also believe that a beautiful smile starts with a healthy mouth.

Our team of dentists and oral health therapists make it their mission to ensure good oral health and a great smile through cosmetic and general dentistry.

As an all-rounded dental clinic, we offer a range of cosmetic dental services including veneers, whitening, gum contouring, implants, and more, utilising the latest technologies and techniques to ensure your treatments are not only effective but also comfortable and stress-free.

At Elite Dental, we’re proud to be a trusted name in cosmetic dentistry Australia.

Today, let’s talk about what comes under the umbrella of cosmetic dentistry, what procedures are available, and if cosmetic dentistry is right for you.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

First, let’s talk about cosmetic dentistry—what is it, and what does it include?

Cosmetic dentistry dental includes any procedure with the primary purpose of improving your smile.

This can include veneers, gum contouring, Invisalign, or even teeth whitening.

While the primary purpose is to enhance the appearance of your teeth, there’s often overlap with dentistry that improves the health of teeth.

For example, while dental implants replace missing teeth and drastically improve the appearance of your smile, implants also prevent harmful jaw deterioration.

The difference between general and cosmetic dentistry

Feature	General Dentistry	Cosmetic Dentistry
Primary Focus	Oral health, prevention, and function	Aesthetics and appearance of teeth and smile
Common Treatments	Fillings, root canals, cleanings, extractions	Whitening, veneers, bonding, crowns, Invisalign
Purpose	Maintain healthy teeth and gums	Improve the look of your smile
Function vs Appearance	Focuses on function and disease prevention	Focuses on visual improvements
Insurance Coverage	Often covered by dental insurance	May not be covered unless medically necessary
Patient Goal	Prevent or treat dental problems	Achieve a brighter, straighter, more uniform smile
Materials Used	Durable and functional (e.g. amalgam or composite fillings)	Tooth-coloured, high-aesthetic materials (e.g. porcelain)
Outcome Examples	Pain relief, infection control, oral disease management	Whiter teeth, reshaped gums, aligned smile

Common cosmetic dental procedures

Teeth whitening :

Professional cosmetic dentistry whitening is done at your dentist’s office using stronger, safe bleaching agents that deliver noticeable results in just one session.

At-home kits, on the other hand, take longer and may not lift stains as effectively. Whichever method you choose, whitening isn’t permanent.

Most people find their results last from a few months to a couple of years, depending on their diet and habits.

Regular touch-ups can help maintain your smile, especially if you regularly enjoy coffee, tea, or red wine.

Dental veneers :

Dental veneers are thin shells, usually made of porcelain or composite resin, that are custom-made to cover the front of your teeth.

Porcelain veneers are more durable and resistant to staining, making them a longer-term solution that can last over 10 years.
Composite veneers are more affordable and applied in a single visit, but they may wear down sooner.

Veneers are ideal for people with generally healthy teeth who want to fix minor cosmetic issues like stains, chips, uneven edges, or slight crookedness.

Dental bonding :

What is bonding in cosmetic dentistry?

Dental bonding is a simple, fast treatment used to fix minor imperfections like chips, cracks, or small gaps between teeth.

Your dentist applies a tooth-coloured resin to the area and carefully shapes it to blend in with your natural tooth.

While bonding doesn’t last quite as long as veneers—usually a few years with good care—this procedure is gentle on the teeth and can often be done in a single appointment.

Invisalign and clear aligners :

Clear aligners, like Invisalign, are a discreet way to straighten your teeth without the chunky look or feel of traditional metal braces.

These custom-made, removable trays gradually move your teeth into the right position over time.

Many people choose clear aligners not only for a straighter smile, but for the health benefits too—aligned teeth are easier to clean and less prone to decay or gum disease.

Dental implants :

Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth.

An implant involves placing a small titanium post into your jawbone, which acts as a sturdy foundation for a crown that looks and feels just like a natural tooth.

Unlike removable dentures, implants are permanent and help preserve bone density in your jaw.

Gum contouring :

Gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes your gum line to improve the balance between teeth and gums.

If you feel like your smile shows too much gum or your gum line looks uneven, this treatment can create a more symmetrical smile.

What is the cost of cosmetic dentistry?

We understand that costs can be a concern too, so we’re always transparent about what is the average cost for cosmetic dentistry for different procedures.

If you're curious about options like cosmetic dentistry whitening, cosmetic aesthetic dentistry, and want to understand what you can expect to pay, we’ve put together a general guide below :

Procedure	Average Cost	What It Covers
Teeth Whitening (In-Clinic)	$600 – $1,000	Professional-grade whitening performed by your dentist for fast, dramatic results.
Take-Home Whitening Kit	$300 – $500	Custom trays with professional whitening gel for home use.
Porcelain Veneers	$1,200 – $2,500 per tooth	Thin ceramic shells applied to front teeth to improve shape, colour, and alignment.
Composite Veneers	$450 – $1,000 per tooth	A more affordable alternative using resin material applied and shaped by your dentist.
Dental Bonding	$250 – $600 per tooth	Quick fix for chips, cracks, and small gaps using tooth-coloured resin.
Invisalign/Clear Aligners	$4,500 – $9,000 (full case)	Nearly invisible aligners to gradually straighten teeth without traditional braces.
Dental Implants	$3,500 – $6,500 per implant	Includes implant, surgery, abutment, and crown to replace missing teeth.
Gum Contouring (Laser)	$400 – $1,500 (per session)	Laser reshaping to reduce a “gummy” smile or even out gumlines.
Smile Makeover (Full Package)	$5,000 – $30,000+	A tailored combination of treatments for a complete aesthetic transformation.

Is cosmetic dentistry right for you?

If you’re interested in improving the look of your smile through dental cosmetic dentistry, then it’s essential to take care of your teeth and gums.

This means regular flossing and brushing, and sticking to yearly checkups with your dentist.

Aesthetic dentistry isn’t necessary, although it can make a big difference to your confidence.

Because these procedures are performed for aesthetic reasons, you’ll be hard pressed to find a dentist who will perform cosmetic dentistry if the teeth and gums aren’t already healthy.

If your gum and teeth are in good condition, and you’ve reached a time in your life when you want to do something for you, then cosmetic aesthetic dentistry can be an excellent way to gift yourself the smile you deserve.

Choosing the right cosmetic dentist

If you’re thinking about cosmetic dentistry, Elite Dental can help.

We have a dedicated team with extensive experience in all aspects of cosmetic dentistry, and our team of professionals will listen to your concerns and be attentive to your needs.