Smile Design

What is Smile Design?

By definition, it is a SYSTEM of changing the size, shape, color and alignment of the teeth and altering the associated tissues in order to enhance one’s appearance. What that means is a potentially complete “make-over”, if you will, of your smile and appearance. It may not be necessary to alter all of these elements depending on your needs.

Process of Smile Design

Consultation is made to determine what your goals are. Photographs and x-rays and exam are required to determine if your goals are possible.

Photographs of completed cases, especially ones similar to your condition are discussed so you can see what is possible.

Once you have committed to treatment, impressions and records are sent to the lab. The lab is given specific instructions as to the your goals as agreed upon by Dr. Riley. The lab will then fabricate a “mock-up” in wax of the finished case (which can be altered if necessary.) Approximately 3 weeks later, you will return for preparation and temporaries. At that time, the teeth will be shaped as conservatively as possible in order for the lab to achieve the best cosmetic result. Any soft tissue changes will be done by a laser at that time. Temporary restorations will then be made off the mock-up so that the you will have a new smile very similar to the final restorations. However, you will return in a couple days to evaluate the temporaries to see if any changes need to be made as to shape, length, color, etc. These changes can be made in the temporaries so then the lab will have a “blue-print” for the final restorations.

Three weeks later, the final restorations are tried in, approved and bonded in place. Final adjustments are made a day or two later and you will have a smile you will be excited and proud of.