Scott Finlay, DDS is more than just a cosmetic dentist. He is a master of the smile design process. Our cosmetic dental treatments are well planned to produce natural-looking, comfortable, and long-lasting results.
Do I Need Veneers or Crowns?
Dr. Finlay will choose the dental restoration that is right for you. Through the smile design process, he will evaluate your entire masticatory system to select the restoration that will look the best and provide the right level of protection and durability.
- Porcelain veneers are usually used to cover just the fronts and sides of the teeth, ideal for changing the shape of teeth, closing small spaces, repairing chips, and improving discoloration.
- Dental crowns are used to reinforce a tooth that is damaged by decay or trauma or a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy.
Smile Makeover Process
Smile Design is a comprehensive approach to cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Finlay follows a four-step process:
Step 1 – Comprehensive Evaluation
Many cosmetic dental concerns are actually caused by functional problems in the mouth or occlusion (bite). The first step in smile design is a comprehensive evaluation. Dr. Finlay will perform a physical examination to inspect your teeth, gums, mouth, jaw joints, and muscles. He is carefully looking for signs of decay, stress, or instability.
For a smile makeover, Dr. Finlay also considers a patient’s facial appearance, including the symmetry of features, size of the lips and mouth, and skin tone and texture to make sure that the cosmetic changes will be natural looking.
“When designing a smile if the players on the stage are beautifully shaped teeth, then the curtain that encircles them are the lips and the orientation to the face.” – Scott Finlay, DDS.
Step 2 – Treatment Planning
The treatment plan is like a set of blueprints for an architect. Dr. Finlay takes diagnostic x-rays, molds, and impressions of the teeth to aid in treatment planning. Using these models, he will create a 2-D digital representation of the proposed changes. This way, you can see what your smile makeover will “look” like before changes are made.
Often, Dr. Finlay creates a 3-D model to demonstrate and test how the changes will function. Again, changes and adjustments can be made easily in this stage. Up to this point, no actual changes have been made to your teeth.
Step 3 – Preparation and Prototype
The teeth are prepared after the planning process is complete. Dr. Finlay creates provisional (also known as temporary) restorations to replicate the anticipated results. These are also used as models for the dental laboratory to create the hand-crafted final restorations.
Step 4 – Smile Makeover
The final restoration, whether it is a dental crown, porcelain veneer, or dental bridge, is created at a state-of-the-art dental laboratory. Dr. Finlay provides exact specifications using the 2-D and 3-D modeling as well as molds of the prepared teeth and molds of the prototype.
Because of this comprehensive smile design process, the application of the final restoration is not a guess, but a predictable result that feels comfortable, looks natural, and functions optimally.
Smile Makeover FAQs
Can insurance cover a smile makeover?
Since a smile makeover consists of a variety of dental treatments, both cosmetic and restorative, insurance plans may only elect to cover part of the cost. Most dental insurance carriers will not cover the entire smile makeover since it can be mostly cosmetic in nature. Although, if it requires restorative treatments, such as dental crowns, in order to complete it, you may get partial coverage. Contact your insurance provider for details, or give us a call.
How long will my smile makeover take?
The timeline for a smile makeover varies from patient to patient, depending on their needs and goals. The process can be as quick as a few weeks for someone with minor changes and functional concerns, to a few months for someone who needs intensive treatment. You may be given an estimated completion date along with your treatment plan tailored to your dental care needs.
How much does smile design cost?
There is no menu of pre-built smile design plans to choose from since each patient has specific needs and a unique set of teeth and mouth. The best way to get a cos estimate is to visit Dr. Finlay for a comprehensive dental exam and smile design consultation. We will be able to give you an estimate after we have discussed all of your needs and options.
Learn more about smile design and how you can get the smile you’ve always wanted in Annapolis, MD. In addition to a smile makeover, we offer more dental services in our Annapolis, MD office. Give Dr. Scott Finlay a call at 410.989.7132, or request an appointment online today!