Cosmetic Dentistry

We begin by listening to what you want to change about your smile. Whether you are interested in whiter teeth, straighter teeth, repairing chips, changing tooth shape, or replacing missing teeth, we can explain your options and help you choose a treatment plan that fits your goals.

Digital photos, scans, and other modern tools allow us to plan treatment carefully and, in some cases, preview possible outcomes before treatment begins. We also offer comfort amenities, including blankets, warm towels, TVs, and free Wi-Fi to help make your visits more relaxing.

Cosmetic dentistry includes dental treatments designed to improve the appearance of your teeth and smile. Depending on your needs, treatment can address discoloration, uneven tooth shape, chips, gaps, alignment concerns, worn teeth, or missing teeth.

Some patients need only one treatment, while others may benefit from combining several procedures as part of a smile makeover. The right approach depends on your oral health, goals, timeline, budget, and how long you want your results to last.

Cosmetic treatment requires careful planning and attention to tooth health, function, shape, and color. At Wrightsville Dental, our doctors review treatment options with you clearly so you can understand the benefits, limitations, timeline, and expected number of visits.

Dr. Gainer, Dr. Watt, and Dr. LePendu can collaborate on cases when needed to determine an appropriate approach for each patient. Our goal is to make meaningful cosmetic improvements while preserving healthy tooth structure whenever possible.

We also use digital technology to support treatment planning, including:

• CEREC technology for designing and creating certain crowns and restorations on-site

• iTero digital scanning for detailed digital impressions

• CBCT imaging to evaluate bone and anatomy when dental implants are part of the treatment

• Digital X-rays for diagnostic planning

• Laser technology for soft-tissue treatment when appropriate

We also offer payment options, including CareCredit and in-house plans.

Patients seek cosmetic dentistry for many different reasons. Common concerns include:

• Stained or discolored teeth

• Chipped or worn teeth

• Uneven tooth shapes or sizes

• Gaps between teeth

• Crooked or crowded teeth

• Missing teeth

• Older restorations that no longer blend naturally with the smile

During your consultation, we discuss what you would like to change and explain which treatments may be appropriate. Small adjustments can sometimes make a noticeable difference, while more complex concerns may require a combination of treatments.

We also discuss maintenance and realistic expectations before cosmetic work begins, so you have a clear understanding of the process.

Wrightsville Dental offers several cosmetic and restorative treatment options based on your goals, oral health, and schedule.

Professional teeth whitening can help reduce visible staining and brighten your smile's overall appearance. We can discuss whether whitening is appropriate based on the type of discoloration you have and any existing restorations.

Porcelain veneers can change the color, shape, size, or proportions of visible teeth. They may be considered for concerns such as discoloration, chips, uneven tooth shapes, or gaps.

CEREC technology allows us to design and create certain dental crowns on site, which may allow treatment to be completed in a single visit. Crowns can restore damaged or worn teeth while also improving their appearance.

Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to address many types of mild-to-moderate alignment concerns without the need for traditional metal braces. We use digital scans to help plan treatment and monitor progress.

Dental implants can replace one or more missing teeth and restore both function and appearance. When implants are part of your treatment, CBCT imaging and guided planning help our doctors evaluate your anatomy and plan implant placement.

Yes. Some patients benefit from combining treatments as part of a smile makeover.

For example, a treatment plan may include teeth whitening to improve tooth color, Invisalign to address alignment issues, and veneers or crowns to improve the shape of specific teeth. The combination and order of treatments depend on your oral health and desired outcome.

We plan treatment carefully so each step works with the next and supports a natural-looking final result.

Digital planning helps reduce guesswork and allows us to evaluate details such as tooth position, proportions, shade, and bite.

Depending on your treatment, we may use digital impressions, X-rays, photographs, scans, and mock-ups to help plan your care. During your consultation, we may also review shade options under natural light and show you material samples.

When appropriate, mock-ups or digital previews can help you better understand possible changes in tooth shape and length before treatment begins.

We select materials based on each tooth's needs and discuss how to maintain your results over time.

Your first appointment begins with an exam and a conversation about your goals. We may take X-rays, photographs, and digital scans before reviewing treatment options with you.

Once we understand what you would like to change, we can outline recommended next steps and provide an estimate of the treatment timeline and expected number of visits.

For appropriate cases requiring a same-day crown, CEREC technology allows us to mill the restoration in our office while you wait.

Our team also offers comfort options, including pillows, headphones, and music during treatment. If dental anxiety is a concern, we can discuss available sedation options and determine what may be appropriate for you.

The best treatment depends on what you want to change and the condition of your teeth and gums.

When recommending cosmetic treatment, we consider factors such as:

• Your main cosmetic concerns

• Your overall oral health

• The amount of healthy tooth structure available

• Your preferred timeline

• Your budget

• The expected longevity and maintenance of each option

A consultation allows us to compare treatments and explain the advantages and limitations of each option before you decide how to proceed.

The longevity of cosmetic treatment varies depending on the procedure, materials used, oral hygiene, diet, habits, and regular dental care.

We discuss maintenance recommendations as part of your treatment plan so you know what to expect over time. Regular dental exams and cleanings can also help us monitor your teeth and restorations.

Good daily care can help protect both your natural teeth and cosmetic restorations.

• Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste

• Floss daily along the gumline to remove plaque

• Schedule routine dental cleanings and exams every six months

• Avoid biting very hard foods or objects with restored teeth

• Wear a nightguard if you clench or grind your teeth

Some procedures may cause temporary sensitivity. Depending on your treatment, we may recommend fluoride or desensitizing toothpaste for a short period.

If a restoration chips, loosens, or needs attention, contact our office so our team can evaluate it.