By HollywoodSmiles.net Team | Updated on January 23, 2026
A “Hollywood smile” is not one treatment. It’s a smile makeover plan that may include whitening, bonding, veneers, crowns, gum contouring, and sometimes orthodontics.
If you want a quick starting estimate, you can use our Hollywood Smile Cost Calculator. Then use this guide to understand what drives the total and how to choose the safest option for your teeth.
What is a Hollywood smile?
A Hollywood smile is a cosmetic plan designed to improve the look of your “smile zone,” usually the upper front teeth that show most when you talk and smile.
Many people want the same end result:
- brighter teeth (without looking unnatural)
- more even edges (less chipping and uneven corners)
- balanced shapes (teeth that fit your face and lip line)
- a cleaner gumline frame when gums show in photos
If you want the full overview of how smile makeovers are planned, start with Hollywood Smile and Smile Design (Smile Makeover).
How much does a Hollywood smile cost in Canada?
Costs vary across provinces and cities. The total also depends on whether you’re doing a small refresh (like whitening) or a full makeover (like multiple veneers or crowns). Dental fees can vary by clinic and location, so use these ranges for planning, not as a guaranteed quote. 1
| Option (often used in a Hollywood smile) | Typical range in Canada (CAD) | Best for | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional teeth whitening | $250 to $600+ | Improving the shade of natural teeth | Teeth Whitening |
| Composite bonding / composite veneers (per tooth) | $200 to $800 | Small chips, small gaps, minor reshaping | Composite Veneers |
| Porcelain veneers (per tooth) | $1,200 to $2,500 | Bigger improvements in shape and shade, long-term aesthetics | Porcelain Veneers; Dental Veneers |
| Crowns (per tooth) | $900 to $1,500+ | Weak, cracked, heavily restored teeth | Zirconium Crowns |
| Aligners / braces | $2,500 to $8,000+ | Crowding, spacing, bite issues | Smile Design (Smile Makeover) |
| Gum contouring | $300 to $3,000 | Uneven gumline, gummy smile, asymmetry | Gum Contouring |
Quick reality check: Many smile makeovers focus on the upper 6 to 10 teeth. Treating more teeth increases the total quickly.
What affects the final cost?
Two people can ask for the same “Hollywood smile” and get very different quotes. Common cost drivers include:
- Number of teeth included (6 vs 10 vs 16+)
- Material choice (composite vs porcelain vs zirconia)
- Lab work level (custom texture, translucency, edge design)
- Existing dental work that needs replacement (old crowns, large fillings)
- Bite and grinding (can increase risk, planning, and protection needs)
- Gum health and gumline symmetry
- Planning steps (scans, mock-ups, temporaries)
- Aftercare (polishing, bite adjustments, nightguard if needed)
Tip: Ask for an itemized plan so you can see what you’re paying for, including lab fees, temporaries, and follow-ups.
How to choose the right option
If you want a natural result, a conservative-first approach is often the safest way to reach your goal.
- Color changes: start with professional whitening.
- Small chips or minor gaps: consider bonding or composite veneers.
- Bigger shape change + stable long-term shade: consider porcelain veneers.
- Weak or heavily filled teeth: a crown may be safer than a veneer.
- Crowding or bite issues: aligners first can reduce drilling later and improve long-term stability.
How long does a Hollywood smile take?
One reason Hollywood smile costs vary is that timelines vary. Some options are done in a single visit, while others take weeks or months.
Typical timelines by option
- Professional teeth whitening: usually 1 visit, or 1 to 2 weeks with take-home trays
- Composite bonding / composite veneers: often 1 visit (sometimes 2 visits for multiple teeth)
- Porcelain veneers: usually 2 to 3 visits over 2 to 4 weeks (planning, preparation, then placement)
- Crowns: usually 2 visits over 2 to 4 weeks (preparation, then final placement)
- Gum contouring: typically 1 visit, with healing over 1 to 2 weeks (sometimes longer depending on the case)
- Aligners / braces: commonly 6 to 18+ months, depending on crowding and bite complexity
When treatment takes longer
Your plan may take more time if you need gum treatment first because of bleeding or inflammation, if your dentist recommends a preview step such as a mock-up or trial smile before final veneers or crowns, if aligners are done before veneers to reduce drilling and improve long-term durability, or if extra bite planning is needed because you grind or clench.
Tip: If you have a deadline (photos, wedding, graduation), tell your dentist early. They can recommend which steps can be done first and what needs healing time.
Risks and side effects to know
Cosmetic dentistry can be high-impact, but every option has trade-offs. Common risks include:
- Sensitivity after whitening or tooth preparation (often temporary)
- Chipping or debonding, especially with grinding or heavy bite forces
- Gum irritation if margins are bulky or gums are inflamed
- Color mismatch over time because natural teeth can darken while porcelain does not whiten
- Irreversibility since enamel reduction is typically permanent for veneers and crowns
If you want a deeper breakdown of what can go wrong and how to reduce it, see Hollywood Smile Risks and Limitations.
Insurance, CDCP, and financing in Canada
Coverage depends on your plan, your insurer’s rules, and whether the treatment is considered cosmetic or medically necessary.
- Whitening and veneers are often considered cosmetic.
- Crowns may be covered more often when they’re needed to restore function or protect a tooth.
If you’re eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, note that veneers and cosmetic services like whitening are listed as exclusions in the federal guide. 2
If financing is offered, ask for:
- APR and total repayment amount
- whether phased treatment is allowed
- refund rules if treatment pauses between phases
How to compare clinics
Bring these questions to your consultation:
- Can you provide an itemized plan with all fees included?
- What is the most conservative option for my case?
- Can I preview the result with a mock-up or trial smile?
- What happens if something chips, stains, or feels uncomfortable?
- If I grind my teeth, how will you reduce fracture risk?
- How will you match shade if I already have fillings or crowns?
Frequently asked questions
Takeaway
The cost of a Hollywood smile in Canada depends on what you actually need. If you want a natural result and fewer surprises, start conservative when possible, request an itemized plan, and ask for a preview step before committing to veneers or crowns.
Have questions about a Hollywood Smile?
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References
- [1] Ontario Dental Association: Dental costs explained.
- [2] Government of Canada: Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Dental Benefits Guide.
