Smile Design in Charlotte, NC
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and when it does not reflect how you feel on the inside, it can hold you back in ways you may not even realize. Smile design is a thoughtful, personalized approach to transforming your smile by combining multiple esthetic treatments into one cohesive plan — so every element, from tooth shape to color to proportion, works beautifully together.
At Imagine Dentistry in Charlotte’s Arboretum area, Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs takes a truly individualized approach to cosmetic dentistry. With over 20 years of experience, a Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Charlotte Magazine Top Dentists Award every year since 2016, Dr. Coambs brings an artist’s eye and a clinician’s precision to every smile she creates. If you have ever imagined a smile that looks and feels entirely like yours — just better — smile design is worth exploring.
What Smile Design Actually Involves
Smile design is not a single treatment. It is a comprehensive planning process that takes your facial features, tooth structure, gum line, and personal goals into account to map out the ideal smile for you. Dr. Coambs begins with photos, an iTero digital scan of your smile, and a detailed consultation to listen to what you want to change. She will alsoassess what your smile currently looks like, and discuss which combination of treatments will achieve the most harmonious result for you.
Every smile design plan is unique. Some patients want to address discoloration, spacing, or chips. Others are looking for a complete esthetic transformation. The consultation is where those goals come to life, and it is entirely collaborative — Dr. Coambs works with you every step of the way so you feel confident in the direction of your care.
Treatments That Smile Design Can Include
Smile design draws from a full range of cosmetic and restorative options. Dr. Coambs will recommend only the treatments that are right for your specific situation. Some of the most common components of a smile design plan include the following:
- Porcelain veneers: Thin, custom-crafted shells that cover the front surface of teeth to correct shape, size, color, and minor alignment concerns. Veneers are one of the most versatile tools in smile design.
- Teeth whitening: Professional-grade whitening lifts deep stains and brightens (and evens out) the overall color tone of your smile. Teeth whitening is often incorporated as a foundational step before other treatments.
- Cosmetic bonding: A sculpted tooth-colored composite applied directly to the tooth to repair chips, fill gaps, or reshape uneven teeth. Cosmetic bonding is a conservative option that produces beautiful results.
- Bioclear: Uses tooth-colored composite shaped around the tooth to close black triangles and gaps without removing healthy tooth structure.
- Smile makeovers: For patients with multiple concerns, a full smile makeover coordinates several treatments in a planned sequence for a complete transformation.
The right combination depends entirely on your goals, your oral health, and the natural features of your face and smile. Dr. Coambs will walk you through each option and explain what to expect from the process.
Why Smile Design Is About More Than Appearance
A well-designed smile does not just look great — it functions better, too. When teeth are properly proportioned and positioned, biting and chewing become more efficient, and the wear on individual teeth is more evenly distributed. Aesthetic improvements and functional ones often go hand in hand, which is part of why a comprehensive approach yields results that truly last.
Dr. Coambs is known for her attention to the finer details of smile design. She considers factors like how your teeth appear when you speak, how your gum line frames each tooth, and how your smile reads in natural light. These are the nuances that separate a smile that looks good in photos from one that looks right every day.
What to Expect From the Smile Design Process
Your smile design begins with a conversation. Dr. Coambs will ask about your goals, review your dental history, and perform a thorough exam before making any recommendations. From there, the two of you will build a plan together — one that fits your timeline and your priorities.
Treatments are typically sequenced in a specific order to protect the final result. For example, whitening is usually completed before veneers or bonding so that the shade of all restorations can be matched and blended to look their best. Dr. Coambs explains each phase clearly so you always know what is happening and why.
Choose Imagine Dentistry for Your Smile Design in Charlotte
Smile design is one of the most personal investments you can make, and it deserves a dentist who takes the time to truly understand your vision. Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs has dedicated her career to esthetic and comprehensive dentistry, earning recognition as a Charlotte Magazine Top Dentist every year since 2016 and holding her Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry — an honor achieved by just 6% of general dentists nationwide. Our team is committed to making your experience feel unhurried, personalized, and worth every step. We also offer flexible financing through Cherry and CareCredit, as well as our in-house Membership Plan, to help make your smile design plan as accessible as possible.
When you are ready to take the first step, Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs and our team at Imagine Dentistry are here to help you get there. Fill out our appointment request form today, and let’s start building the smile you have always wanted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Smile design is a comprehensive cosmetic planning process that addresses the shape, contour, proportion, and color of your teeth to create a smile that complements your facial features and reflects your personal goals. At Imagine Dentistry, Dr. Coambs uses advanced technology to give you a visual preview of what your new smile will look like before any treatment begins. The process is collaborative, meaning your input guides every decision so the final result feels as natural as it looks. Treatment may incorporate veneers, bonding, Bioclear, whitening, or a combination of procedures depending on your starting point and goals.
The cost of smile design varies widely because it is a customized treatment plan rather than a single procedure. The total depends on which treatments are included, how many teeth are involved, and the complexity of the work. Cosmetic procedures included in a smile makeover are generally not covered by dental insurance, though some functional components may be. We will develop a clear, itemized estimate during your consultation so you can plan your investment. Financing through CareCredit and our Love Your Smile membership plan are available to help make treatment accessible.
A smile makeover is highly individualized, but may include porcelain veneers, dental bonding, Bioclear restorations, professional teeth whitening, gum contouring, dental crowns, or orthodontic alignment with ClearCorrect or Invisalign. Dr. Coambs takes a thorough approach to smile design, evaluating not only the appearance of your teeth but also your bite, gum health, and how your teeth relate to your lip line and facial structure. The goal is a result that looks completely natural and functions well long-term.
Yes. One of the key parts of the smile design process at Imagine Dentistry is providing you with a visual representation of your anticipated results before any work is done. This preview gives you the opportunity to evaluate the proposed changes, ask questions, and make adjustments so the final plan truly reflects what you want. Dr. Coambs believes the best outcomes come from close collaboration with her patients, and this step is central to that process.
A gummy smile, where a significant portion of your gum tissue is visible when you smile, can result from several factors, including the way your upper lip moves, the size and shape of your teeth, or excess gum tissue covering the crowns of your teeth. In some cases, gum contouring can be used to reduce the appearance of a gummy smile by reshaping the gum line. Smile design consultations at Imagine Dentistry include a full evaluation of these factors so Dr. Coambs can recommend the most effective and minimally invasive approach.
Smile design at Imagine Dentistry is a collaborative process. Dr. Coambs works with you to craft a result that feels as natural as it looks.
Dental Insurance
We accept most dental insurances, and we will always work to get the most out of your benefits. If it would help to break up the cost of your care into smaller monthly payments, we are prepared to discuss payment plan options with you. We offer an excellent Membership Plan with our office, as well as financing with Care Credit. If you are looking for a dentist in Charlotte, NC, our team will be delighted to assist you in scheduling an appointment today.
Dental Membership Plan
We offer an excellent Membership Plan designed specifically for patients without traditional insurance coverage. Our “Love.Your.Smile.” plans provide access to preventive care, including regular checkups, cleanings, and x-rays, along with valuable discounts on additional treatments. If you’re looking for transparent pricing and quality dental care without the hassle of insurance claims, our membership plan may be the perfect solution for you and your family. Our team will be happy to discuss which plan best fits your needs during your visit!
