Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry covers a wide range of dental treatments designed to improve the appearance, function, and long-term health of teeth and gums. For many people, exploring these options can feel overwhelming, particularly when so many different procedures exist, each suited to different dental situations and personal goals.
Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

This guide has been written to give you a clear, honest overview of the most common cosmetic dental procedures available in Australia. It covers both treatments offered at Advanced Dental Artistry in West Perth and treatments that are not part of our clinical focus, with each clearly identified so you can seek the right care in the right place.

Advanced Dental Artistry is a West Perth cosmetic and restorative dental clinic with a clinical focus on porcelain veneers, dental implants, All-On-4 full-arch replacement, and full mouth reconstruction. If you are considering any of these treatments, we invite you to book a consultation to discuss your individual situation in detail, with no obligation to proceed. 

This guide is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute dental advice. Every person’s dental situation is unique. Please consult a registered dental practitioner to discuss which options may be appropriate for your individual circumstances.

1. Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells placed over the front surface of teeth to alter their colour, shape, size, or overall appearance. They are bonded directly to the tooth and are designed to blend with the surrounding teeth while addressing a range of aesthetic concerns, including discolouration, chips, gaps, and irregular tooth shape.

There are two main types of veneers used in Australian dental practice: porcelain veneers and composite veneers. Understanding the differences between them can help inform a conversation with your dentist about which approach suits your needs.

Porcelain Veneers (available at Advanced Dental Artistry)

Porcelain veneers are crafted from ceramic material and are bonded to the front surface of prepared teeth. At Advanced Dental Artistry, the clinic uses Emax veneers, a type of veneer made from lithium disilicate, a modern all-ceramic material valued for its durability and natural-looking qualities.

Each veneer is individually designed based on a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s teeth, facial structure, bite, and aesthetic preferences. Digital scanning technology is used to assist with planning before any permanent work begins. A temporary set of veneers is typically placed during an interim stage so that the patient and the treating dentist can assess the fit, colour, and function before the permanent veneers are made.

Porcelain veneers can address concerns such as gaps between teeth, worn or uneven tooth edges, tooth shape irregularities, and discolouration that has not responded to other treatments. The number of veneers required varies significantly from person to person, depending on the extent of the work and the individual’s goals.

With appropriate dental hygiene and regular check-ups, porcelain veneers may last for many years. A night guard is often recommended following placement to help protect the veneers from the effects of night-time grinding.

For more information about porcelain veneers at Advanced Dental Artistry, visit our porcelain veneers service page.

Composite Veneers (not available at Advanced Dental Artistry)

Composite veneers are made from tooth-coloured composite resin and are typically applied directly to the teeth in a single appointment. The material is shaped and polished to achieve the desired appearance. Composite veneers are generally considered a more budget-accessible option than porcelain veneers, though they are generally regarded as less durable and may be more susceptible to staining over time. (not available at Advanced Dental Artistry) Advanced Dental Artistry focuses exclusively on porcelain (Emax) veneers. If composite veneers are of interest, you would need to consult a general dental practice that offers this service.

2. Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most widely known cosmetic dental treatments. It uses peroxide-based agents to lighten the shade of natural tooth enamel. Whitening is most appropriate for teeth that are stained from sources such as coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco, and is generally not effective on crowns, veneers, or dental bonding, as these materials do not respond to whitening agents.

There are two main categories of teeth whitening in Australia: in-clinic whitening performed by a dental practitioner, and take-home whitening kits supplied by a dentist. Over-the-counter whitening products are also available, though the concentration of whitening agents in these products is regulated and typically lower than professional options. Teeth whitening as a standalone cosmetic procedure is not a primary focus at Advanced Dental Artistry(not available at Advanced Dental Artistry). However, it is worth noting that tooth shade is considered when planning porcelain veneers, as colour matching forms part of the overall smile design process. If standalone teeth whitening is what you are looking for, a general dental practice would be the most appropriate place to start.

3. Dental Implants

Dental implants are a fixed solution for one or more missing teeth. The implant itself is a small titanium post that is placed into the jawbone, where it integrates with the surrounding bone over a period of months. Once integration is complete, a custom-made crown is attached to the post, creating a replacement tooth that is designed to function like a natural tooth.

Implants are generally recommended when a patient has lost one or more teeth due to decay, injury, or periodontal disease and has sufficient bone density to support the implant post. In some cases, a bone graft procedure may be required before implant placement if bone volume is insufficient.

Single and Multiple Implants (available at Advanced Dental Artistry)

Advanced Dental Artistry offers single-tooth implants, multiple implants, and full-arch implant solutions. Treatment is planned using three-dimensional bone scans to assess bone anatomy and guide precise placement. Both Dr Adrian Kat and Dr Laine Rasmussen have completed additional training in implant placement beyond the standard requirements of general dental registration.

Each implant is custom-designed to match the shape and shade of the surrounding teeth, and is fabricated in the clinic’s on-site laboratory. A detailed written treatment plan, including all associated costs, is provided to patients before any treatment proceeds.

For more information, visit the dental implants page.

All-On-4 Full-Arch Replacement (available at Advanced Dental Artistry)

All-On-4 is a full-arch tooth replacement solution that uses four strategically placed titanium implants to support a complete fixed set of teeth in the upper or lower jaw, or both. Unlike removable dentures, the teeth are fixed in place and are only removed by a dental practitioner.

The procedure is typically considered for people who have lost most or all of their teeth, or whose remaining teeth are in a condition that makes conventional restoration impractical. One of the noted characteristics of All-On-4 is that it may be possible to place the implants without the need for bone grafting in many cases, due to the angled positioning of the posterior implants. This is assessed individually for each patient.

At Advanced Dental Artistry, All-On-4 surgery is performed in an in-house surgical theatre with an on-site anaesthetist, which means patients do not need to arrange a separate hospital facility. The on-site ceramics laboratory allows prosthetic work to be completed without being sent to an external lab.

4. Dental Crowns and Bridges

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps placed over an existing tooth that has been prepared to receive them. They are used to restore teeth that are damaged, weakened, or significantly decayed, and also serve a cosmetic function by altering the appearance of a tooth in terms of shape, size, and colour.

Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring a prosthetic tooth, or teeth, to adjacent natural teeth or implants fitted with crowns. Together, crowns and bridges are among the most widely used restorative dental solutions in Australian practice.

Crowns and Bridges (available at Advanced Dental Artistry)

Crowns and bridges are offered at Advanced Dental Artistry as part of the clinic’s restorative and cosmetic treatment services. They may be used as standalone treatments or incorporated into broader treatment plans alongside dental implants or porcelain veneers, depending on what a patient’s clinical situation requires.

Crowns and bridges at the clinic are crafted from porcelain materials and produced in the on-site ceramics laboratory. Each is planned around the patient’s existing teeth, bite, and aesthetic goals to ensure a well-integrated result.

5. Full Mouth Reconstruction

Full mouth reconstruction, sometimes referred to as full mouth rehabilitation, is a comprehensive treatment approach for patients whose teeth have experienced significant deterioration across multiple areas of the mouth. This might be due to long-term decay, erosion from acid reflux or dietary habits, injury, or years of unaddressed dental issues.

Unlike a single-procedure treatment, full mouth reconstruction involves a tailored combination of restorative and cosmetic procedures, which may include dental implants, porcelain veneers, crowns, and bone grafting where required. The objective is to restore both the appearance and the function of the teeth and bite.

Full Mouth Reconstruction (available at Advanced Dental Artistry)

Advanced Dental Artistry offers full mouth reconstruction as one of its core services. Treatment is planned on a case-by-case basis following a thorough clinical examination, including digital scans and three-dimensional imaging. All work is performed at the West Perth clinic, with on-site anaesthesia available for procedures requiring sedation.

A written treatment plan detailing all proposed procedures and associated costs is provided to each patient before treatment begins. The clinic takes a staged approach to reconstruction, working through each element of the treatment plan with clear communication at each step.

6. Smile Makeovers

A smile makeover is a term used to describe a planned combination of cosmetic dental treatments aimed at improving the overall appearance of a person’s smile. It is not a single procedure but rather a tailored treatment plan that might include veneers, whitening, crowns, or other interventions, depending on what a particular patient’s situation calls for.

The concept of a smile makeover reflects a broader, whole-smile perspective, rather than addressing isolated dental concerns one at a time. Planning typically involves a detailed assessment of tooth colour, shape, alignment, and proportion, as well as the relationship between the teeth and the surrounding facial features.

Smile Makeover Planning (available at Advanced Dental Artistry)

Advanced Dental Artistry approaches smile makeovers through a structured planning process that uses digital facial scanning and photographic analysis to map facial landmarks, midlines, and proportions. This planning informs the design of porcelain veneers or other restorative elements used in the treatment.

A trial stage using temporary composite veneers allows patients to experience how the proposed changes will look and feel before permanent materials are placed. This step is considered an important part of the process at the clinic, as it provides an opportunity to assess function, speech, bite, and aesthetics in real daily use.

7. Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a procedure in which tooth-coloured composite resin material is applied directly to a tooth and sculpted into shape to repair chips, cracks, gaps, or minor discolouration. It is generally considered one of the more straightforward and accessible cosmetic dental treatments, as it often requires little to no tooth preparation and can be completed in a single visit.

Standalone dental bonding is  (not available at Advanced Dental Artistry) as a primary offering at Advanced Dental Artistry, whose clinical focus centres on porcelain-based restorations. Composite resin is used at the clinic during the trial veneer stage of treatment planning, but not as a standalone cosmetic procedure. For dental bonding as an isolated treatment, a general dental practice would be a suitable option.

8. Tooth-Coloured (Composite Resin) Fillings

Tooth-coloured or composite resin fillings are used to restore teeth affected by decay, minor fractures, or wear. Unlike older amalgam (silver) fillings, composite fillings are designed to match the natural shade of surrounding teeth, making them less visually apparent.

While primarily a restorative rather than cosmetic procedure, tooth-coloured fillings can contribute to a more consistent overall appearance of the teeth, particularly for teeth that are visible when smiling or speaking. At Advanced Dental Artistry, tooth-coloured fillings are carried out when clinically necessary as part of a broader treatment plan. For example, they may be completed alongside porcelain veneer placement or other restorative work where the overall health of the mouth requires it. Standalone filling appointments, without an accompanying treatment plan, are  (not available at Advanced Dental Artistry). For routine or isolated filling work, your regular general dentist is the appropriate contact.

9. Invisalign and Clear Aligner Therapy

Clear aligner therapy, most commonly associated with the brand name Invisalign, uses a series of custom-fitted, removable plastic trays to gradually move teeth into a new position over time. Aligners are typically worn for the majority of each day and changed every one to two weeks as the teeth shift.

Clear aligners are generally used to address crowding, spacing, or mild to moderate misalignment. They are considered an alternative to traditional fixed braces for patients who prefer a less visible orthodontic approach. Invisalign and clear aligner therapy are  (not available at Advanced Dental Artistry). Some patients enquiring about improving tooth alignment may find that porcelain veneers, which can address aesthetic concerns including the appearance of minor spacing or unevenness, align more closely with their goals. However, the suitability of any treatment depends on individual clinical circumstances and should be assessed by a qualified dental practitioner. For orthodontic treatment including clear aligners, an orthodontist or a general dentist offering aligner therapy would be appropriate.

10. Gum Contouring

Gum contouring, sometimes called gum reshaping or a gum lift, is a procedure that adjusts the level of the gum line to create a more balanced appearance between the teeth and gums. It may be considered when a person has an uneven gum line, or when excess gum tissue causes the teeth to appear shorter than they are.

The procedure is typically performed using a soft tissue laser or a surgical instrument under local anaesthesia. It is often considered in conjunction with other cosmetic dental work, such as veneers, to ensure that the gum line frames the teeth proportionately.

Gum Contouring (available at Advanced Dental Artistry as part of a treatment plan)

Gum contouring is offered at Advanced Dental Artistry when it forms part of a broader treatment plan. For example, it may be incorporated into a smile makeover or veneer treatment where the gum line is a relevant factor in achieving a balanced cosmetic outcome.

Gum contouring as an isolated, standalone procedure is  (not available at Advanced Dental Artistry). If you are specifically seeking gum reshaping without other planned dental treatment, a periodontist (a dental practitioner with additional training in the gums and surrounding structures) or a general dentist who offers this service would be a suitable contact.

11. Dentures

Dentures are removable prosthetic devices used to replace missing teeth. Full dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth, while partial dentures replace several missing teeth when some natural teeth remain. Dentures rest on the gum line and, in some configurations, may be supported by dental implants for greater stability.

Conventional removable dentures are generally considered a more accessible tooth replacement option in terms of initial cost; however, they require regular maintenance, may shift during use, and are removed for cleaning. Many patients explore their options across both removable and fixed tooth replacement solutions before deciding on an approach.

Dentures at Advanced Dental Artistry (available as part of a treatment plan)

Advanced Dental Artistry does offer removable dentures in specific circumstances, where they form one component of a broader treatment plan. For example, a patient may have one arch of teeth replaced with a fixed implant solution and the other arch managed with a removable denture, depending on the clinical situation and the patient’s goals.

Advanced Dental Artistry is not a dedicated denture clinic. Dentures are not offered as a standalone service outside of an accompanying treatment plan. Patients seeking only a removable denture, without other restorative dental work, would be better served by a prosthodontist or a general dental practice with a focus on denture provision.

12. Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedative medications to help patients feel calm, relaxed, or unaware during dental procedures. Options range from mild oral sedation through to intravenous (IV) sedation administered by an anaesthetist. It is commonly used for patients who experience significant dental anxiety, or for procedures that are lengthy or complex.

The level of sedation used depends on the procedure, the patient’s medical history, and the patient’s preference. Intravenous sedation is a more profound level of sedation that requires the involvement of a qualified anaesthetist and appropriate clinical facilities.

Sedation at Advanced Dental Artistry (available)

Advanced Dental Artistry has on-site anaesthetists and an in-house surgical theatre, which allows intravenous sedation to be offered for appropriate procedures such as dental implant surgery and All-On-4 treatment. This is not a service offered in isolation but is part of the care pathway for eligible patients undergoing surgical procedures at the clinic.

The cost of sedation is disclosed as a separate, clearly itemised fee as part of the treatment plan before any procedure is booked.

13. Other Cosmetic Dental Procedures

The following procedures are part of the broader cosmetic dental landscape in Australia. Some are not offered at Advanced Dental Artistry, while others are available only in specific circumstances. Each is labelled clearly below.

Teeth Contouring and Reshaping (not available at Advanced Dental Artistry)

Tooth contouring (also called enameloplasty) involves removing very small amounts of enamel to reshape a tooth. It is typically used for minor concerns such as slightly uneven tooth edges or small chips. This procedure is generally limited to cases where only minimal material needs to be removed.(not available at Advanced Dental Artistry) A general dentist would be a suitable contact for this type of treatment.

Orthodontics and Braces (not available at Advanced Dental Artistry)

Traditional metal or ceramic fixed braces are an orthodontic option for correcting more complex or significant misalignment issues. Like clear aligners, orthodontic treatment with fixed braces  (not available at Advanced Dental Artistry). An orthodontist, who is a dental specialist, is the appropriate practitioner for this type of treatment.

Periodontal (Gum) Health Treatment

Periodontal treatment addresses disease affecting the gums and the bone that supports the teeth. Good gum health is a prerequisite for any cosmetic or restorative dental work, as the long-term stability of veneers, implants, and other restorations depends on the health of the surrounding tissues.

At Advanced Dental Artistry, basic periodontal treatment is carried out when it forms part of a broader treatment plan, ensuring the mouth is in a suitable condition before cosmetic or reconstructive procedures proceed. For patients with more advanced or complex periodontal disease, the clinic refers to a periodontist who has dedicated additional training in this area of dental practice.

If periodontal disease is your primary concern and you are not currently planning other cosmetic or restorative dental work, a periodontist or your regular general dentist is the most appropriate starting point.

Summary: Which Procedures Are Available at Advanced Dental Artistry?

The table below provides a quick reference overview of the procedures covered in this guide.

Available at Advanced Dental Artistry:

  • Porcelain (Emax) veneers and smile makeover planning
  • Dental implants (single, multiple, and full arch)
  • All-On-4 full-arch fixed tooth replacement
  • Full mouth reconstruction (combining implants, veneers, and crowns)
  • Crowns and bridges
  • Intravenous sedation for eligible surgical procedures

Available as part of a broader treatment plan (not as standalone appointments):

  • Tooth-coloured (composite resin) fillings
  • Gum contouring
  • Removable dentures (in combination with implant treatment)
  • Basic periodontal treatment (more advanced cases are referred to a periodontist)

Not available at Advanced Dental Artistry (seek treatment elsewhere):

  • Composite veneers
  • Standalone teeth whitening
  • Standalone dental bonding
  • Invisalign and clear aligner therapy
  • Tooth contouring and reshaping
  • Orthodontic braces

Finding the Right Dental Treatment for Your Situation

Cosmetic dentistry spans a broad spectrum of procedures, from simple aesthetic adjustments to complex, multi-stage reconstruction involving surgery, prosthetics, and digital planning. No single clinic offers every type of cosmetic treatment, and understanding where a particular procedure sits within that spectrum is an important step before booking a consultation.

If you are considering comprehensive cosmetic or reconstructive dental treatment, including porcelain veneers, dental implants, All-On-4 full-arch replacement, or full mouth reconstruction, Advanced Dental Artistry in West Perth may be a suitable starting point for a discussion.

The clinic offers complimentary telephone consultations to help prospective patients understand whether their situation aligns with the treatments offered. Written treatment plans with fully itemised costs are provided following a clinical assessment, and no treatment proceeds without the patient’s informed consent.

If the treatment you are seeking falls outside of what Advanced Dental Artistry offers, your general dentist, a dental specialist, or the Australian Dental Association can assist you in identifying the appropriate practitioner for your needs.

This blog post is intended for general educational purposes only and has been prepared to help readers understand the range of cosmetic dental procedures available in Australia. It does not constitute individual dental advice and does not imply a specific clinical recommendation for any particular procedure. Outcomes of dental treatment vary between individuals and depend on factors including existing dental health, treatment choice, and ongoing care. Speak with a qualified dental practitioner to discuss what is appropriate for your specific circumstances.

Advanced Dental Artistry | 555 Newcastle Street, West Perth WA 6005 | Phone: (08) 6165 3888 | advanceddentalartistry.com.au

About the author:

Dr Rebecca Penco – General Dentist

AHPRA # DEN0002066932

Dr Bec graduated from UWA with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 2016 and has been practising dentistry since then. She has significant experience in cosmetic dentistry and porcelain veneers.

She has trained extensively and mentored students at UWA, and is known for providing compassionate care that helps patients feel supported and comfortable, particularly those overcoming dental anxiety.

Enquire Now