Wanting a better smile is the easy part. It's everything else that's harder to picture — how long it'll take, what it costs, whether the result will actually look like you. That's why we designed our process to answer all three questions upfront. Before you ever commit, you'll preview your new smile, understand your investment, and know your timeline all in your free consultation.
The Process
Step 1: Share Your Vision With Us
Every cosmetic case is a little different, and so is every treatment plan. We start by listening and determining where we can make improvements. Your dentist will help identify what's going on and recommend the right procedure for your goals.
Step 2: Build the Game Plan
If you're a good candidate, we will walk through your options together, answer your questions, and go over cost and timeline, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide on anything.
Step 3: Design & Preview Your Smile
Once you decide to move forward, we'll schedule a separate appointment to take your intraoral scan and design your new smile. When time allows, you'll leave that same visit with your design in hand and temporaries in place — a "first draft" that protects your teeth and previews your future smile.
Step 4: Reveal Your Final Smile
About 1–2 weeks later, you're back in the chair to have your final smile placed — crafted from a stronger, more permanent material and designed around exactly what you asked for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
Is the consultation really free?
Yes — your initial cosmetic consultation is completely free, with no obligation. You'll leave with a clear treatment plan, timeline, and cost estimate before deciding on anything.
How many appointments will I need?
Most cosmetic cases take two visits: your design and prep appointment, where you may leave the same day with an improved smile in temporaries, and a final appointment about 1–2 weeks later to place your permanent restoration.
What's the difference between veneers, crowns, and implant crowns — and how do I know which one I need?
Veneers, crowns, and implant crowns solve different problems, and which one is right for you depends on your teeth and your goals. During your free consultation, your dentist will evaluate your smile and recommend the option (or combination) that fits your case.
Am I a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry?
Many patients are good candidates, but it depends on your goals and the health of your teeth and gums. During your free consultation, your dentist will evaluate your smile and let you know what's realistic — and recommend the best path to get there.
Are your dentists experienced in cosmetic dentistry?
Every Upside dentist is Cerec-certified in cosmetic dentistry, bringing years of hands-on experience to smile design cases of every complexity.
Your Smile Design & Temporaries
What's the difference between my temporary smile and my final smile?
Your temporaries are a "first draft" — they protect your prepped teeth and give you a live preview of your new smile so you can request adjustments before anything is permanent. Full-smile cases require precision, and that precision takes a little extra time. Your final restoration is made from a stronger, more durable material designed to last.
How long do I wear temporaries?
Typically about 1–2 weeks, while your final restoration is custom-designed and crafted.
What if I don't like the preview? Am I locked in at that point?
No. Your temporaries are designed specifically so you can see and live with your new smile before it's finalized. If something's not right, we'll adjust the design before your final restoration is made.
Will my veneers or crowns look natural?
Yes — that's the goal of the design process. Because we design your smile with you and let you preview it before anything's permanent, you're never surprised by an overdone or unnatural result. Your dental team tailors shape, size, and shade to fit your face and your goals, not a one-size-fits-all look.
Pricing & Payment
How much does cosmetic dentistry cost?
Pricing depends on your treatment plan, but here's a general guide:
- Consultation: Free
- Crowns: $950 per tooth
- Implant Crowns: $1,150 per tooth
- Veneers: $1,150 per tooth
Do you offer payment plans or financing?
Yes, we offer flexible payment plans to help make your treatment fit your budget. We accept cash or credit as payment, and we also offer payment plans. Additionally, we partner with CareCredit, a healthcare credit card that will help you finance your care. Learn more about CareCredit here.
Does insurance cover any of this?
We're out of network with dental insurance, but our team will submit claims on your behalf, and many patients receive partial reimbursement. Because we're not tied to in-network pricing restrictions, our rates are often lower than what you'd find at an in-network practice — even after accounting for insurance.
Comfort & Recovery
Is the procedure painful?
Most patients feel little to no discomfort. Your dentist will walk you through what to expect and how we manage comfort throughout the process.
Will my teeth be sensitive afterward?
Some mild, temporary sensitivity is normal after prep work and typically resolves within a few days.
Real Results, Real Confidence
Meet Ethan.
Ethan came to Upside anxious about his smile — and walked out with more than a new set of teeth. Watch his story, in his own words: how he got his confidence back, what the process was really like, and how financing made it possible.
VIDEO: Getting His Confidence Back
Schedule your free consultation
Get your questions answered, your options explained, and your timeline mapped out with no cost to you.