Smile Makeover in Aurora
A smile makeover is a plan, not a package. We start with what you would like to change, check that your teeth and gums are ready, then map out the steps in writing.
The short answer
A smile makeover is a personal plan that combines two or more cosmetic and restorative treatments, such as whitening, bonding, veneers, crowns or straightening, to change how your smile looks. At Aurora Gateway Dental in Aurora, the plan begins with a health check, a talk about your goals and a written sequence and estimate before anything starts.
- Visits
- A consultation, then visits based on the steps you choose
- Timeline
- A few weeks to many months, depending on the plan
- Comfort
- Many steps need little or no freezing; you choose the pace
- Coverage
- Cosmetic steps are usually not covered; repairs may be partly covered
- Dentist
- Dr. Bita Tahghighi
At a glance
What it is
People rarely ask for a smile makeover by name. They say things like, "my front teeth look short," "I don't like the dark crown on this side," or "I want to smile in photos again." A makeover takes those concerns and turns them into a plan. For one person, it might be whitening plus bonding on two chipped teeth. For another, it might mean aligners, then whitening, then new crowns to replace old ones that no longer match.
Dr. Bita Tahghighi has advanced training in cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry, including a Fellowship in Aesthetic Dentistry from UCLA. In a consultation, she or another of our dentists looks at the smile as a whole: tooth colour, shape and length, the gum line, how much tooth shows when you talk and smile, and how your teeth meet. Digital (3D) scans and intraoral camera photos help us show you what we see and plan the steps.
The order matters, and so does what comes first. Gum disease, cavities and grinding are treated before cosmetic work, or new work may not last. Teeth may be moved before they are reshaped, because straightening can mean less tooth needs covering. Whitening comes before bonding, veneers or crowns, since those keep the shade they are made in. Our cosmetic dentistry page explains this sequence in more detail.
Your plan can be done in one stretch or spread out over time. You can stop after any step, and many people find a smaller change is all they wanted. We will be honest about what is realistic for your teeth, what can be undone and what cannot.
Is it right for me?
- Several things about your smile bother you, not just one.
- You have old fillings or crowns on front teeth that no longer match.
- Your teeth are worn, chipped or uneven from years of use or grinding.
- You want a written plan that shows the order, timing and cost of each step.
- You are willing to sort out any cavities or gum problems before cosmetic work begins.
Step by step
- Goals conversationTell us what you notice and what you hope to change. Bring photos of your smile from the past if they help.
- Health check and recordsWe check teeth, gums and bite, take X-rays as needed, and record photos and digital scans for planning.
- Options and trade-offsYour dentist explains the routes that could meet your goals, from the most conservative to the most involved.
- Written plan and estimateYou receive the sequence of steps, a rough timeline and a written estimate for each stage.
- Treatment, one step at a timeEach stage is finished and reviewed before the next begins, so you can adjust the plan along the way.
- UpkeepRegular cleanings and checkups help protect the work, with polishing or touch-ups as needed.
How it compares
| Question | Small makeover | Moderate makeover | Comprehensive makeover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical steps | Cleaning, whitening, minor bonding | Aligners or whitening, then bonding or veneers | Straightening, gum care, crowns or veneers on many teeth |
| Changes to tooth structure | Little or none | Some, depending on choices | More, for crowns or veneers |
| Time | A few visits | A few months | Several months or longer |
General information. Your dentist will explain what applies to you.
Benefits and risks
Benefits
- Ties several changes into one plan, so the results match each other.
- Puts health first, which helps cosmetic work last longer.
- Lets you see the order and cost of every step before you commit.
- Can be paced to suit your schedule and budget.
Risks and limits
- Veneers and crowns remove some enamel, and that cannot be undone.
- Whitening can cause temporary sensitivity and does not change fillings or crowns.
- Bonding and veneers can chip or stain and may need repair or replacement over time.
- Results vary from person to person, depending on your teeth, gums and bite.
- Longer plans need patience, and the look changes in stages.
Cost and coverage
Smile makeover cost depends entirely on the plan, so there is no standard fee. A makeover with whitening and a little bonding is very different from one with straightening and several crowns. After your consultation, we price each stage using the Ontario Dental Association fee guide as our reference. Treatment done only for looks is usually not covered by insurance, but replacing a broken filling or a failing crown may be, and we can send a predetermination and bill all plans directly. Coverage under the Canadian Dental Care Plan or IFHP is limited to the services each program lists. Ask about our in-house dental plan and student program, and we'll explain your payment options. You'll get a written estimate for every stage before you start.
What shapes your estimate
- Which treatments are in your plan and how many teeth each involves
- Whether gum care, fillings or straightening are needed first
- Materials chosen for bonding, veneers or crowns
- Lab work and any temporary teeth
- Which steps your insurance may treat as repairs
Read more about insurance and payment, the Canadian Dental Care Plan and IFHP coverage.
After your visit
- Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily to protect new work.
- Avoid biting ice, pens or hard candy with bonded or veneered teeth.
- Wear a night guard if you grind, to protect veneers and crowns.
- Keep regular cleanings so your hygienist can polish and check the work.
Questions
How much does a smile makeover cost?
It depends on which treatments you choose and how many teeth are involved, so there is no single price. After your consultation, you get a written estimate for each stage. You can then decide which steps to do and when.
Who will plan my smile makeover?
Dr. Bita Tahghighi has advanced training in cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry. At your consultation, we'll tell you which of our dentists will plan and carry out each step, and whether any part would be referred.
Can I see what my smile might look like before I commit?
We use photos, digital scans and shade guides to talk through realistic options and show you what we see. Every mouth is different, so we explain what is likely, not what is certain. Nothing is booked until you are comfortable with the plan.
Do I have to do everything at once?
No. Many people spread their plan over months or years, or stop after the first steps. We plan the order so that each stage still makes sense on its own.
Will my makeover need upkeep?
Yes. Whitening fades over time, and bonding, veneers and crowns can wear or chip. Regular checkups, good home care and a night guard if you grind help them last.
What if I just want one small change?
That is fine. Many people find that whitening or bonding a single tooth is all they need. We'll help you choose the simplest step that meets your goal.
Reviewed by the dentists at Aurora Gateway Dental Care. Last updated October 29, 2026. This page is general information, not personal medical advice.
Trusted health information
Related treatments
Patients visit from
Newmarket · Richmond Hill · Oak Ridges, Richmond Hill · East Gwillimbury · Holland Landing · Mount Albert · King City · Nobleton · Stouffville · Bradford
More about cosmetic dentistry
Ask us about smile makeover
289-475-5497Prefer to type? Send a request and we'll contact you to confirm a time.
676 Wellington Street East, Unit 3
Aurora, ON L4G 0K3