Add a level of certainty to your smile design process.

What does your ideal smile look like? Can you already imagine exactly what you want it to look like, or do you only have a vague idea? Whether you already have a clear picture of it in mind or not, taking the first steps toward getting your ideal smile can feel nerve-wracking. Thankfully, though, when you have a great dentist and dentistry team, you can trust them to catch you.

Our Trent Woods, NC, cosmetic dentistry team will work closely with you to ensure we’re on the same page regarding your treatment needs and goals, and we’ll always prioritize communication so that your aesthetic dentistry journey doesn’t feel scary—you’ll know exactly what to expect every step of the way! As a result, we’ve put together a guide to help you understand more about what this process will look like and how Dr. Oxley will ensure that you know exactly what to expect from your treatment process and results. 

Why do some people delay getting the smile they want?

Since starting the smile design process can feel like a leap of faith, one of the biggest reasons people delay getting the smile they want is that they’re worried about not being 100% sure what the end result will look like. After all, many aesthetic dentistry treatments produce long-lasting results, so it makes sense to be worried about truly loving your new smile. But thanks to Dr. Oxley’s involved cosmetic dentistry process, this isn’t an issue! You’ll be part of every step of the process and you’ll know exactly what to expect from your treatment every step of the way—including from the final result.

In some cases, the cost is a concern as well. If this is the case for you, don’t be afraid to talk to Dr. Oxley and our team about financing options. These options can help the treatment you need fit into your budget, ensuring that you don’t have to worry about that aspect of your treatment. 

How does Dr. Oxley make sure you know what you’re getting before you start?  

Dr. Oxley always starts the smile design process by listening carefully to your dreams and goals for your smile and explaining what procedures could help you reach those goals. He’ll also give you the chance to ask all your questions and take the time to answer each one thoroughly to ensure that you feel confident in your ability to make an informed decision about your treatment.

Once you’ve decided which treatments you’ll use to gain the smile of your dreams, Dr. Oxley will use the 3Shape Trios system to map your goals and design your smile. With this cutting-edge piece of dental technology, Dr. Oxley can take digital impressions of your teeth instead of relying on the traditional method of using messy, uncomfortable putty. This advanced digital dentistry method involves passing a scanner wand that’s about the size of an electric toothbrush over your teeth.

As it moves, it utilizes dental photography, taking thousands of detailed images of your teeth and putting them together into a 3D model of your teeth and bite. The entire process takes just a couple of minutes for your entire mouth, and the model it produces is more accurate and contains a higher level of detail than the impression putty produces. This makes it a faster, more comfortable, and more accurate option.

Dr. Oxley will then use this digital model of your teeth and bite to design your restorations. Using it, you’ll be able to see how the restorations will fit into your entire smile and what the end results will look like. Dr. Oxley will show you this treatment plan and the images of what your new smile will look like for your approval before getting started. If you don’t like some aspect of your smile design and want to tweak it a bit, that’s more than okay! That’s what this part of the process is for. Your treatment process won’t begin until you’re 100% happy with your new smile design. 

What treatment options may be part of your smile makeover? 

Since smile makeovers often consist of several different cosmetic dentistry procedures and are always designed to meet each person’s unique needs, they look a little different for everyone. If you’re looking for an idea of what to expect from cosmetic dentistry in New Bern, NC, here are several procedures that could be part of your treatment process. 

Whitening

This simple treatment is used to transform your smile by making it multiple shades whiter and brighter in a single visit to our office or using an at-home professional treatment kit. We often recommend that you get whitening at the beginning of your smile makeover so that any restorations you get can be matched to the new, brighter shade of your smile.

Veneers

These thin tooth-shaped pieces of porcelain are permanently attached to the front of your teeth to change their size, shape, and shade. They’re incredibly versatile because you can get one veneer on a single tooth, completely transform your smile with a set, or tailor this treatment to any other combination of issues. They’re often used to resolve issues like teeth that are discolored or stained, chipped, cracked, irregularly shaped, uneven, worn down, or to cover a gap between your teeth. 

Clear Aligners

If you have a misaligned bite or crooked teeth, straightening your smile with clear aligners is a great way to completely transform your smile without losing confidence in it while you’re undergoing treatment like you might with traditional braces. Plus, orthodontic treatments can improve your oral health, so it’s a great option to consider for both the appearance and health of your smile.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped restorations that sit over a tooth to restore and protect its appearance, health, and function. We offer e.max, zirconia, and porcelain crowns, which are well known for their ability to blend in seamlessly with your natural smile. Dental crowns are used to protect and restore teeth that have suffered extensive damage from decay or injury, as well as to cover misshapen, discolored, or severely worn-down teeth.

Dental Implants

Consisting of a titanium metal rod that’s embedded directly in your jawbone and secured with a tooth restoration such as a dental crown, bridge, or dentures, dental implants are widely considered the best tooth replacement option modern dentistry has to offer. Since they can be fitted with so many tooth restorations, they can be used to replace anywhere from a single tooth to all of your teeth.

Reach out to us today for a consultation!

Thanks to modern cosmetic dentistry in New Bern, your ideal smile is more than just a dream—it’s achievable! Modern technology takes out all the guesswork, ensuring that you know exactly what to expect from your results before you even undergo the first procedure. If you’d like to learn more about the smile design process or want to discuss what your smile makeover might involve, feel free to schedule a consultation with Dr. Oxley at any time.