How do I know which cosmetic dental procedure is right for me?

The right cosmetic treatment depends on your specific concerns, the current condition of your teeth and gums, your budget, and how much change you are looking for. Minor chips or gaps may be well addressed with cosmetic bonding or Bioclear, while more significant smile transformations may call for veneers or a comprehensive smile makeover. During your consultation, Dr. Coambs will evaluate your oral health, listen to your goals, and walk you through the options that are most appropriate for your situation, including a visual preview of expected results when applicable.

How much does cosmetic dentistry cost in Charlotte, NC?

Cosmetic dentistry costs vary widely depending on the treatment type, the number of teeth involved, and the complexity of the case. Single-tooth bonding is generally one of the most affordable options, while full smile makeovers involving veneers or multiple procedures represent a more significant investment. Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by dental insurance, though some functional components may qualify for partial coverage. Financing through CareCredit and our in-office Love Your Smile membership plan are available to help make treatment more accessible.

Does cosmetic dentistry require multiple appointments?

It depends on the treatment. Cosmetic bonding, teeth whitening, and Bioclear restorations can often be completed in a single visit. Porcelain veneers typically require two appointments, one for preparation and temporary placement and a second for permanent bonding. A full smile makeover involving multiple procedures will be staged across several visits. Your treatment timeline will be outlined in detail during your consultation so you can plan accordingly.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Q: What is cosmetic dentistry and how is it different from general dentistry?

General dentistry focuses primarily on maintaining oral health and preventing or treating disease, while cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your smile. This includes addressing concerns such as tooth discoloration, chips, gaps, uneven sizing, and overall smile symmetry. At Imagine Dentistry, cosmetic and functional care are considered together, so the results not only look beautiful but also support long-term oral health and proper bite function.

At Imagine Dentistry, Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs believes a beautiful smile should look natural, function well, and reflect who you already are, not who you are trying to become. That philosophy shapes every cosmetic treatment plan created at the practice, from a single chipped tooth to a full smile transformation. Patients who complete cosmetic treatment here often describe the same shift: photos where they finally smile with their teeth showing, and a level of confidence that carries into everyday conversations.

Dr. Coambs holds credentials fewer than 6% of general dentists nationwide have earned. She is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), trained through the Dawson Academy in comprehensive, bite-focused dentistry, and a certified Bioclear provider, one of the only dentists in the Charlotte area with that training. Charlotte Magazine has named her a Top Dentist every year since 2016. Cosmetic dentistry at Imagine Dentistry in the Arboretum area of South Charlotte covers everything from surface-level enhancements to complete smile makeovers, and patients who also want straighter teeth alongside a brighter smile can pair treatment with our orthodontics without braces options, including Invisalign clear aligners.

A Philosophy Built on Comprehensive, Bite-Aware Dentistry

Most cosmetic dentists focus only on how teeth look. Dr. Coambs’s training through the Dawson Academy adds a second layer to that work, evaluating how your bite, jaw joints, and existing teeth function together before any cosmetic change is made. That comprehensive approach means a smile makeover, veneer case, or bonding plan is designed to hold up under everyday biting and chewing, not only to look good in a single photograph. A 2025 review published through the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that continued advances in digital imaging, composite materials, and whitening techniques keep improving both clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction across cosmetic dentistry, and that same evidence-based approach guides every plan Dr. Coambs creates.

Cosmetic Dentistry Services We Offer

Imagine Dentistry offers a full menu of cosmetic treatments, so your plan can start small or address several concerns at once:

Veneers, for correcting chipped, worn, or unevenly shaped teeth
Cosmetic bonding, a same-visit option for small chips, gaps, and discoloration
Smile design, which maps out your ideal smile digitally before any treatment begins
Smile makeovers, combining several treatments into one coordinated plan
Bioclear, a bonding alternative built around closing black triangle gaps between teeth
Professional teeth whitening, for brightening a smile that has dulled over time
Laser dentistry, for precise, minimally invasive soft-tissue treatment
White spot removal, for smoothing away stubborn white spots left by enamel changes

Every option above can stand alone or work together as part of a broader smile makeover, and Dr. Coambs helps you decide which combination fits your goals during a consultation.

What Makes Imagine Dentistry Different

Few cosmetic practices in Charlotte combine Dawson Academy training with certified Bioclear experience in the same office. Dr. Coambs is one of the only Bioclear-certified providers in the area, so patients considering an alternative to traditional bonding do not need a referral elsewhere. Charlotte Magazine has recognized her as a Top Dentist every year since 2016, and the practice has also earned recognition as a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite. Cosmetic treatment is available with flexible financing through Cherry and CareCredit, along with an in-house membership plan for patients without dental insurance. Questions about which option fits your smile and your budget can be directed to our contact page at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry and How Is It Different From General Dentistry?

General dentistry focuses on keeping your teeth and gums healthy through exams, cleanings, and restorative care. Cosmetic dentistry addresses how your smile looks, correcting chips, discoloration, gaps, or uneven teeth with treatments such as veneers, bonding, or whitening. Many patients receive both types of care in the same visit at Imagine Dentistry.

How Do I Know Which Cosmetic Treatment Is Right for Me?

The right treatment depends on your specific concerns, whether that is a single chipped tooth or a complete smile transformation. Dr. Coambs evaluates your teeth, bite, and goals during a consultation and recommends a plan built around what will hold up long term, not just what looks good right away.

Is Bioclear the Same as Traditional Bonding?

No. Bioclear is a distinct technique that uses clear forms and flowable composite to close gaps, including black triangles between teeth, for a smoother, more natural-looking result. Dr. Coambs is one of the only Bioclear-certified providers in the Charlotte area.

Are Veneers or Bioclear Reversible?

Both veneers and Bioclear involve permanently altering the surface of the tooth, so neither treatment is considered reversible. Dr. Coambs discusses this openly during your consultation so you can decide with full information before moving forward.

Does Insurance Cover Cosmetic Dentistry?

Most dental insurance plans consider cosmetic treatment elective and provide limited or no coverage. Imagine Dentistry offers financing through Cherry and CareCredit, plus an in-house membership plan, to help make treatment more manageable for patients without cosmetic coverage.

Does Cosmetic Treatment Require Multiple Appointments?

The number of visits depends on which treatments you choose and how many concerns you would like to address at once. Dr. Coambs maps out a clear plan and appointment timeline during your consultation, so you know what to expect before you begin.

Schedule Your Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation at Imagine Dentistry

Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs brings Dawson Academy training, an FAGD fellowship, and certified Bioclear experience to every cosmetic case at Imagine Dentistry in the Arboretum area of South Charlotte. Charlotte Magazine has named her a Top Dentist every year since 2016, and patients throughout the Charlotte area choose the practice for cosmetic treatment built around appearance and long-term function.

Whether you are curious about veneers, Bioclear, or a full smile makeover, a consultation is the best way to find out which options fit your smile and your budget. Contact our office to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a smile you are proud to share.