COSMETIC SERVICES

Dental crowns are custom-made caps that cover a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. They’re often used when a tooth is cracked, decayed, or damaged. Crowns protect the underlying tooth and can blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.

Crowns are ideal for patients with significant tooth damage, large fillings, or after root canal treatment. Crowns are also great for those looking to improve the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth.

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted from porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They are used to correct a wide range of cosmetic concerns, including chips, cracks, gaps, and discoloration.

Veneers are ideal for patients with minor cosmetic imperfections like gaps, stains, or small misalignments. Veneers are perfect for those looking to enhance their smile with a natural-looking, long-lasting solution.

Veneers: Common Questions

Last updated: November 2026

What are dental veneers used for?

Dental veneers are thin shells bonded to the front of a tooth to change its shape, length, or color, most often used on the front teeth that show when you smile. At Smiles By Design, veneers are typically recommended for chips, gaps, or discoloration that has not responded to whitening.

How long do veneers typically last?

Veneers are considered a long-term cosmetic option, and how long an individual set holds up depends on bite forces, grinding habits, and day-to-day care. Our team reviews expected wear and maintenance with each patient at a consultation rather than quoting a single number that fits every case.

Are veneers a permanent change to my teeth?

Veneers require a small amount of enamel to be prepared on the front of the tooth, which makes the process difficult to fully reverse once completed. Because of that, Dr. Proctor and Dr. Tanner walk through the trade-offs with every patient before moving forward.

Do veneers need any special care, like a night guard?

Veneers are cared for largely like natural teeth, with regular brushing, flossing, and routine cleanings. Patients who grind their teeth at night are often fitted with a custom night guard to protect both veneers and natural enamel from extra wear.

Can veneers fix a chipped front tooth?

Yes, a veneer is a common fix for a chipped front tooth when the chip is limited to the visible surface and the rest of the tooth is structurally sound. For larger chips or more extensive damage, a dental crown or CEREC same-day crown is sometimes the better-suited option, which our team can determine at an exam.

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that lightens the color of your teeth, removing stains and discoloration. We offer professional in-office whitening treatments that provide faster and more dramatic results compared to over-the-counter products.

Whitening is best suited for patients with healthy teeth and gums who want to brighten their smile by several shades. Those with surface stains from coffee, wine, or smoking are great candidates for whitening.

Botox is not just for wrinkles; it’s also used in dentistry to treat conditions like TMJ disorders, bruxism (teeth grinding), and gummy smiles. By relaxing targeted muscles, Botox can reduce pain, prevent wear on teeth, and improve the aesthetics of your smile.

Botox is ideal for patients with facial pain from TMJ, chronic headaches, or those looking to correct a gummy smile. It’s also beneficial for patients who want a smoother, more youthful appearance.

A cosmetic consultation at Smiles By Design is your first step toward achieving the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Here’s what you can expect during your appointment:

1. Photographic Assessment: The consultation begins with a series of high-quality photographs of your teeth and smile from various angles. These images help us understand your current dental aesthetics and serve as a baseline for discussing potential changes.
   
2. Personalized Questionnaire Review: Next, we’ll go through the questionnaire, breaking down each question to get a clear understanding of what you like and what you’d like to improve about your smile. This discussion is key to identifying your goals and expectations.
   
3. Interactive Discussion: During the consultation, your dentist will listen to your concerns, preferences, and any specific changes you envision. Together, you’ll explore different options tailored to your unique needs.
   
4. Expert Guidance: Your dentist will provide professional advice on the treatments that could best achieve your desired results. This might include suggestions like crowns, veneers, tooth whitening, or Botox, depending on your specific needs.
   
5. Review of Previous Cases: To help you visualize the potential outcomes, your dentist will show you examples of previous smile makeovers. These before-and-after photos of actual patients will give you a clear idea of what’s possible.
   
6. Treatment Plan Development: Finally, based on your discussion and preferences, a customized treatment plan will be created, outlining the recommended procedures, timeline, and cost. This plan will be designed to meet your goals while maintaining the health and functionality of your teeth.

At Smiles By Design, our goal is to make sure you leave the consultation feeling confident and excited about the journey to your new smile.