Smile Design begins with a discussion of your goals, an examination, and a review of possible treatments. Digital previews can help with planning, but actual results and treatment needs vary.
Plan your next steps with Andrew Rudnick, DMD, LVI Fellow, in Palm Beach Gardens. He has been in private practice since 1996.
What Is Smile Design?
Smile Design is the planning process for changes to the appearance of your teeth. Dr. Rudnick reviews your oral health, bite, facial features, and goals before discussing tooth shape, shade, spacing, and proportions.
Your plan explains the options, limitations, and care involved. A smile makeover may combine several of the treatments selected during this planning process.
Treatment Options in Your Smile Design Plan
The Smile Design process may include a combination of the following cosmetic dentistry treatments, each selected to complement your facial features and oral health goals:
Dental Veneers: Porcelain veneers cover the front surfaces of selected teeth and may improve color, shape, small gaps, or chips. Preparation and the number of visits depend on your teeth and plan. Veneers require ongoing care and may need repair or replacement. Learn more about dental veneers.- Teeth Whitening: Professional whitening may lighten natural teeth. The amount of improvement and number of visits vary with the cause of discoloration and the method used. Existing veneers, crowns, and fillings do not whiten like natural teeth. Explore our whitening options.
- Dental Bonding: Dental bonding uses resin matched to your tooth color to repair selected minor chips or reshape small areas. Dr. Rudnick will evaluate the tooth and explain whether bonding is suitable, including its maintenance needs. Discover how dental bonding works.
- Dermal Fillers: Dermal fillers are an optional cosmetic service separate from dental treatment. A consultation is needed to discuss the specific product, proposed treatment area, suitability, risks, and expected duration.
- Invisalign®: Clear aligners may be an option for selected tooth alignment concerns. Suitability, treatment length, and the need for retainers depend on your teeth, bite, and treatment plan. Explore our Invisalign treatment options.
- Dental Crowns: Crowns cover teeth that need additional support or restoration. Their material, shape, and shade are selected for the tooth and treatment plan. Crowns require ongoing care and may eventually need replacement. Learn more about dental crowns.
- Dental Bridges: Bridges replace missing teeth and may be supported by neighboring teeth or implants. The condition of the supporting teeth, gums, and bite helps determine whether a bridge is appropriate. Discover more about dental bridges.
- Dental Implants: Dental implants may support replacement teeth for suitable patients. Planning considers bone, gum health, and overall health. Healing, function, and longevity vary, and regular maintenance is needed. Read about our dental implant process.
Dental Veneers: Porcelain veneers cover the front surfaces of selected teeth and may improve color, shape, small gaps, or chips. Preparation and the number of visits depend on your teeth and plan. Veneers require ongoing care and may need repair or replacement. For selected teeth, no prep veneers may also be considered. Dr. Rudnick will explain the preparation required and the alternatives. Digital planning helps compare possibilities, but it cannot guarantee the final appearance or function.
The Smile Design Process: Step by Step
Your plan is developed in five steps. The records and treatment stages depend on your needs:
- Initial Consultation and Smile Analysis: Dr. Rudnick begins by evaluating your dental health and discussing your smile goals.
- Digital Images and Previews: Photographs, scans, or a mockup may help you discuss possible changes. These previews are planning aids, and actual results can differ.
- Reviewing Your Options: We discuss appropriate treatments, alternatives, costs, limitations, and maintenance before you choose a plan.
- Phased Treatment Schedule: We explain the order of treatment and the appointments involved. Any oral health concerns are addressed as part of the plan.
- Review and Ongoing Care: After treatment, we review your bite and appearance and explain home care, follow up visits, and possible future maintenance.
Technology We Use
Digital records can support examination, planning, and communication. Dr. Rudnick selects the tools appropriate for your needs:
- 3D Imaging: May help assess anatomy when clinically indicated. It is not required for every cosmetic treatment.
- Intraoral Scanners: Can record the surfaces of your teeth for planning and selected restorations. The type of record needed depends on your treatment.
- Photographs and Planning Records: Help us discuss tooth shape, shade, and proportions. We will explain which records your plan requires.
Technology supports clinical judgment and discussion. It does not guarantee a particular result or treatment time.
Benefits of Smile Design
Smile Design helps you understand your choices before beginning treatment. Possible benefits depend on your starting teeth, oral health, and the procedures you choose.
Here are some of the key benefits of Smile Design:
Ask about the benefits and limitations of each option. Some treatments involve permanent changes to tooth structure, and restorations may need repair or replacement over time.
“From the time I was taken at exactly my appointment time until the time my procedure was completed, each of the staff was exceptionally pleasant and professional during their handling of the dental work needed. Dr. Rudnick explained each step in a way that there would be no question as to what he was doing as he proceeded with his work. I would have no hesitancy whatsoever in recommending Dr. Rudnick to any inquiry.”
– Howard T.
Who Is a Candidate for Smile Design?
A Smile Design consultation may be useful if you would like to discuss one or more concerns, such as:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Discoloration or staining
- Uneven or asymmetrical teeth
- Worn or short teeth
Dr. Rudnick will examine your teeth and gums and discuss your goals. Cavities, gum disease, or other oral health concerns may need treatment before cosmetic work. The examination helps determine which options are appropriate.
Why Choose Dr. Rudnick for Smile Design
Andrew Rudnick, DMD, is an LVI Fellow and has been in private practice since 1996. His background includes training in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Learn more about Dr. Rudnick.
Your consultation is a chance to explain your goals, review your oral health, and ask questions about the choices available to you.
Our Palm Beach Gardens office welcomes patients from Jupiter, North Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, and nearby communities.
We explain the proposed steps, costs, and care needs so you can make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smile Design
What Our Patients Say
Schedule Your Smile Design Consultation
Dr. Andrew Rudnick, DMD, is an LVI Fellow. He can discuss veneers, whitening, and other cosmetic options that may suit your goals. Treatment needs and results vary by patient.
Contact Rudnick Dentistry today to schedule your personalized Smile Design consultation.
