Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you — and one of the most powerful tools you have for making a lasting impression. If you feel self-conscious about the colour, shape, size, or alignment of your teeth, cosmetic dentistry in Montréal offers safe, proven solutions to transform your smile. At Dr Lachance Dental Clinic, located at Complexe Desjardins in downtown Montréal, our cosmetic team combines artistic sensibility with clinical precision to deliver results that look natural, not artificial. Whether you want a subtle improvement or a complete smile overhaul, we have the treatments and experience to make it happen.
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry encompasses any dental procedure primarily aimed at improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, or smile — though many cosmetic treatments also provide functional benefits. Unlike purely restorative dentistry (which fixes damage or disease), cosmetic dentistry is largely elective. The goal is to create the smile you want, whether that means brighter teeth, corrected proportions, repaired chips, or a completely new look.
At Dr Lachance, we believe that great cosmetic dentistry is invisible. The best result is one where people notice how great your smile looks — not that you've had work done.
Cosmetic dental treatments available in Montréal
Professional teeth whitening
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental treatment worldwide — and for good reason. Over time, teeth are stained by coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, and the natural ageing process. Professional whitening, unlike over-the-counter strips, uses clinically proven peroxide-based gels activated under controlled conditions to lighten teeth by several shades in a single visit or with customized take-home trays.
- In-office whitening — one 60–90 minute session; noticeably brighter results you can show off the same day
- Take-home whitening kits — custom-fitted trays and professional-strength gel worn for 30–60 minutes daily over 2 weeks; more gradual, equally effective, and great for touch-ups
- Results typically last 1–3 years depending on diet and oral hygiene habits
- Safe for enamel when performed under professional supervision
Learn more on our dedicated teeth whitening page.
Porcelain veneers
Veneers are ultra-thin shells of dental porcelain — typically 0.5–0.7 mm thick — bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to completely transform their appearance. They are the gold standard for smile makeovers because they can simultaneously correct multiple concerns in a single treatment.
Veneers can fix:
- Permanent discolouration that does not respond to whitening (tetracycline stains, fluorosis)
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- Worn-down teeth that look short or uneven
- Mild to moderate gaps between teeth
- Slightly misaligned or overlapping teeth
- Teeth that are too small or have an unflattering shape
Modern porcelain veneers are exceptionally durable (10–20 years with proper care), stain-resistant, and indistinguishable from natural enamel under normal light. The procedure typically involves 2–3 appointments: a consultation with mock-up, tooth preparation with minimal reduction, and final bonding.
Dental bonding (composite resin)
Composite bonding is a more affordable and minimally invasive alternative to veneers. A tooth-coloured resin material is sculpted directly onto the tooth surface, hardened with a curing light, and polished to blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth. It can be completed in a single appointment with no anaesthesia required in most cases.
Bonding is ideal for:
- Repairing small chips or cracks
- Closing minor gaps between front teeth
- Reshaping a tooth that looks uneven or too short
- Covering surface stains on a single tooth
- Protecting exposed tooth roots from sensitivity
Bonding is less stain-resistant than porcelain and typically lasts 5–10 years before touch-up or replacement may be needed. It is an excellent entry point for patients who want cosmetic improvement without a large commitment.
Gum contouring
Sometimes the issue is not the teeth themselves but the gum line. A "gummy smile" — where an excessive amount of gum tissue shows when you smile — or an uneven gum line can make even healthy, white teeth look less than their best. Gum contouring uses a precision laser or surgical instrument to reshape the gum line, exposing more of the tooth crown for a balanced, symmetrical smile. The procedure is typically done under local anaesthetic with minimal discomfort and quick healing.
Smile makeovers
A smile makeover is a comprehensive, customized cosmetic treatment plan that combines multiple procedures to completely transform your smile. Rather than addressing one issue at a time, a makeover takes a holistic look at your teeth, gums, lips, and facial proportions to design the ideal result — then maps out the sequence of treatments to get there efficiently.
A typical smile makeover at Dr Lachance might combine:
- Professional whitening as a baseline
- Porcelain veneers on the front teeth most visible when smiling
- Crowns on any damaged or heavily filled back teeth
- Gum contouring for symmetry
- Minor orthodontic alignment if teeth are crowded
We use digital smile design software to show you a preview of your projected result before any treatment begins. You have input at every step.
Who is a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry?
Almost anyone who is unhappy with their smile can benefit from some form of cosmetic dentistry. The main requirements are:
- Good baseline oral health — active decay or gum disease must be treated before cosmetic work begins, as there is no point beautifying a compromised tooth
- Realistic expectations — we take time in the consultation to show you what is realistically achievable so there are no surprises
- Non-smoker or commitment to quit — smoking significantly stains teeth and negatively affects healing after some procedures
Age is not a barrier — we perform cosmetic dental work on patients from their late teens through their eighties. Adults who have always been self-conscious about their smile often find that cosmetic dentistry has a profound effect on their confidence and quality of life.
How long do cosmetic dental treatments last?
- Whitening: 1–3 years; extends significantly with good oral hygiene and touch-up treatments
- Bonding: 5–10 years; may chip or stain over time and can be refreshed
- Veneers: 10–20 years with proper care; do not remove them to clean or bite into hard objects
- Gum contouring: Permanent; gum tissue reshaped by the procedure does not grow back
Cosmetic dentistry cost in Montréal
Costs vary widely depending on the treatment and number of teeth involved. As a general guide:
- Professional whitening: $300–$700
- Composite bonding (per tooth): $200–$600
- Porcelain veneer (per tooth): $1,200–$2,500
- Full smile makeover: varies widely based on scope, typically $5,000–$20,000+
Cosmetic treatments are generally not covered by dental insurance since they are elective. However, procedures with a restorative component (e.g., crowns, bonding to repair a chip) may qualify for partial coverage. We verify your plan before treatment and offer flexible payment arrangements.
Why choose Dr Lachance for cosmetic dentistry in Montréal?
- Artistic precision — our cosmetic team treats smile design as both science and art; every shade, shape, and proportion is considered
- Digital smile preview — see your projected result before we touch a tooth
- Conservative approach — we recommend the least invasive treatment that achieves your goal
- 25+ years of experience — hundreds of cosmetic cases completed at our downtown Montréal clinic
- Premium materials — we use high-quality porcelain and composite systems known for their aesthetics and longevity
- Downtown convenience — Complexe Desjardins, steps from Place-des-Arts metro
Frequently asked questions — cosmetic dentist Montréal
How do I know which cosmetic treatment is right for me?
That is exactly what your consultation is for. We examine your teeth, discuss your goals, show you digital previews, and recommend the most effective and cost-efficient path. There is no obligation to proceed.
Will veneers look fake?
Only if they are poorly designed or the shade is chosen incorrectly. At Dr Lachance, we work with high-quality porcelain labs and use shade guides and digital design to match your natural tooth colour, facial proportions, and aesthetic preferences. Our goal is always a result that looks like the best version of your own teeth.
Does teeth whitening damage enamel?
Professional whitening, when done correctly, does not damage enamel. Temporary sensitivity is common and fades within 24–48 hours after treatment. We assess your enamel health before recommending whitening and adjust the protocol for sensitive patients.
How long after whitening can I get veneers?
We typically recommend waiting 2–4 weeks after whitening before placing veneers, as the shade of whitened teeth can shift slightly in the first few weeks. This ensures the veneer colour is matched to your final, stabilized shade.
Can cosmetic dentistry fix crooked teeth without braces?
In mild cases, veneers or bonding can create the appearance of straighter teeth. For moderate to significant crowding, orthodontic treatment first typically gives the best long-term result. We assess each case individually and always recommend the option that is best for your long-term oral health.
Ready to love your smile? Book a cosmetic consultation at our downtown Montréal clinic or call (514) 845-7121.