At Aesthetic Dentistry Centre in Plano, Dr. Sara Chen and Dr. Mark Sowell have helped countless patients transform their smiles through a process called Smile Design. Their approach to the design of your smile is extremely thorough. Your appointment begins with a comprehensive exam of the health, structure, function, and esthetics of your mouth. Your complete dental health exam includes testing for tooth decay, abscesses, gum disease, oral cancer, and oral lesions.
Structural concerns include broken, fractured teeth as well as propagating cracks. The function of your smile includes missing teeth and your bite, TMJ and jaw muscles. The aesthetic of your mouth is how your teeth and gums look when you smile.
Patient Review
What is Smile Design?
Smile Design is a complete approach to improving how your smile looks and works. It blends two types of dentistry:
- Cosmetic dentistry: focused on appearance (color, shape, size)
- Restorative dentistry: focused on health and function (bite, strength, tooth replacement)
That’s why it’s sometimes called “hybrid dentistry.” It doesn’t just make your smile look good, it makes sure your smile works well and stays healthy for many years.
The process requires an in-depth analysis of a patient’s facial features and expression. Then, the dentist can tailor the smile restoration to the patient’s unique characteristics. Smile Design often incorporates a variety of procedures to achieve the desired result.
Smile Design is also called “hybrid dentistry” because it combines aspects of cosmetic dentistry with restorative dentistry. Most patients who undergo this procedure are looking for a more youthful appearance or a more natural-looking smile. We can also use it to address other dental concerns, such as bite issues or TMJ disorders.
Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen can use Smile Design to solve many aesthetic problems, such as:
- Tooth color: stains or discoloration that won’t fade with whitening
- Tooth shape and size: teeth that are too small, too large, or oddly shaped
- Worn-down teeth: from years of grinding or aging
- Gaps between teeth: spaces that make you self-conscious
- Crooked or misaligned teeth: without full orthodontics
- Gum issues: infections, too much gum showing (“gummy smile”) or uneven gums
- Missing teeth and tooth loss: gaps that affect your smile and bite
- Chipped or broken teeth: damage from accidents or wear
- Bite problems: teeth that don’t come together correctly
- Facial asymmetry: Lost teeth can make your face sag
Smile design is the aesthetic component of your comprehensive cosmetic examination at our Plano dental office. The complimentary cosmetic dentistry consult includes an aesthetic exam and listening to your goals and oral care needs.
Next, we take digital photos and impressions of your mouth to get a good grasp of your current dental issues. Then, we will discover what you want to change about your teeth (e.g., color, size, arrangement, symmetry, etc.). Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen will show you what our cosmetic dentistry treatments can do for you.
The goal of Smile Design is to provide our patients with a healthy and beautiful mouth that will stay healthy for years to come. We strive to do this by using modern technology along with our expertise in dentistry and cosmetic surgery. Continue reading to learn about our Smile Design process.
Before and After Cosmetic Smile Design in Plano, TX
The Smile Design Process
First, we learn about your expectations and time frame. Then, we invite you back for a comprehensive examination. The exam will include:
- A lip symmetry evaluation
- Gum exposure and symmetry check
- Measuring tooth size and proportions to the face
- Evaluating tooth symmetry, arrangement, and color
Then, we prepare and print computer-generated “after” pictures to show you. We will design the new structure and function of your mouth. Dr. Sowell, Dr. Chen, and their Southlake County-area dental care team will gather complete information about your oral health. We will provide you with excellent and relevant options without trying to up-sell you unnecessary treatments.
Once Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen have a complete picture of your oral health, they will move on to the next step. They will work with you to design a long-term dental care plan that will meet your needs, desires, and budget. Their training and experience in high-end cosmetic dentistry make them two of the best cosmetic dentists in Plano, TX.
Dr. Sowell, Dr. Chen, and their dental care team always listen to your questions and consider your comfort a high priority. Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen are your dentists in Plano for cosmetic dental services in Dallas, Plano, Frisco, and surrounding Southlake County communities.
Real Results: A Smile Design Story
Plano, TX dentist Dr. Mark Sowell used Smile Design to restore a comfortable bite and beauty to this patient’s smile.
The patient came in with decayed and damaged teeth, an uncomfortable bite, and a smile that no longer felt like her own.
Through the Smile Design process, Dr. Sowell created a comprehensive treatment plan that included:
- Upper gum leveling to create better symmetry
- Empress bondable porcelain veneers
- Dental crowns to restore decayed and damaged teeth
The result was a smile that looks completely natural, feels comfortable, and has given this patient renewed confidence.
See more cosmetic dentistry before-and-after photos in our Smile Gallery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Smile Design process take?
Every case is different. Simple smile makeovers might take a few months. More complex cases involving multiple procedures could take longer. During your consultation, we’ll give you a clear timeline based on your specific plan.
Will Smile Design be painful?
We prioritize your comfort at every step. Most procedures are done with local anesthesia to numb the area. For patients with anxiety or for longer procedures, we offer sedation options. Most patients find the experience far more comfortable than they expected.
How long do results last?
With proper care, the results of Smile Design can last for many years or decades. Porcelain veneers and crowns are durable and stain-resistant. Good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups will help protect your investment.
Will my new smile look natural?
Absolutely. That’s the whole point of Smile Design. Dr. Chen and Dr. Sowell aren’t interested in creating a “one-size-fits-all” smile. They want your smile to look like it belongs to you. Your new teeth will match your facial features, skin tone, and personality.
How much does Smile Design cost?
Costs vary widely depending on what your treatment plan includes. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of costs and discuss payment options. We accept dental insurance and offer flexible financing to make treatment accessible.
Do you treat patients from outside Plano?
Yes! Patients travel to us from across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and beyond. Located just 30 minutes from DFW International Airport, we welcome out-of-town guests and offer concierge service to make your visit easy and enjoyable.
Schedule A Dental Exam & Cosmetic Consultation Today
You don’t have to live with a smile that doesn’t make you happy. With Smile Design at Aesthetic Dentistry Centre, you can finally have teeth that look and feel like they were always meant to be yours.
Dr. Sara Chen and Dr. Mark Sowell have dedicated their careers to helping patients just like you discover the confidence that comes with a beautiful, healthy smile. Their extraordinary credentials, combined with the artistry of a master ceramist, create results that are truly exceptional.
Learn more about our cosmetic dentistry treatments in Plano by calling our office for a consultation with Dr. Chen and Dr. Sowell. Call us at (972) 382-6855 or request an appointment online anytime. We provide personalized cosmetic dentistry to patients in Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, and the surrounding areas.