A great smile is not one treatment. It is a plan. When teeth are crooked, worn, or missing, the best results come from sequencing orthodontics, restorations, and implants in the right order. Done well, you protect your investment, shorten chair time, and love the outcome for years.
At Smile Perfection Dental & Orthodontics, the team uses digital scans, 3D imaging, and before-and-after previews to map a clear path from where you are to where you want to be. This guide walks you through how we decide when to straighten first, when to restore, and how implants fit in, plus what to expect for timelines, maintenance, and financing.
Start with a comprehensive digital planning visit
Every full smile plan begins with a complete evaluation. That includes digital photos, 3D scans, and X-rays as indicated. You and your provider review your bite, tooth positions, enamel health, gum health, and any missing or damaged teeth. Then we create a step-by-step plan that sequences care for predictability and durability.
This visit is also where you see mock-ups or digital previews of potential outcomes. Visualizing changes up front makes decisions easier and helps set realistic expectations about treatment time and maintenance.
If you are nearby and want to see this technology in action, you can schedule a digital scan with our orthodontic team in Pembroke Pines. We also welcome neighbors looking for clear aligner options in Miramar and Royal Palm Beach.
- Explore options for clear aligners in Pembroke Pines with a digital scan: https://www.smileperfectionortho.com/locations/pembroke-pines/clear-aligners
- See smile makeover options in Royal Palm Beach: https://www.smileperfectionortho.com/locations/royal-palm-beach/smile-makeovers
When to do orthodontics first
Aligning teeth first often makes veneers and crowns more conservative and longer lasting. We typically recommend orthodontics first when:
- Front teeth are crowded, flared, or rotated.
- The bite is off, causing edge wear, chipping, or jaw discomfort.
- Spaces need to be opened or closed to position future implants or bridges properly.
- You prefer minimal-prep veneers and want to preserve as much enamel as possible.
Clear aligners or braces can usually correct alignment in about 12 to 24 months, with simpler cases finishing sooner. Clear aligners are worn 20 to 22 hours a day and changed on a set schedule. After alignment, we refine the smile with whitening, bonding, or conservative porcelain work as needed.
When to restore first
Sometimes it is better to stabilize teeth before moving them. The team may start with restorative care when:
- A tooth has a large fracture or deep decay that could worsen during orthodontics.
- There is active infection or gum disease that must be treated to protect overall health.
- A tooth needs a build-up or provisional crown to create proper shape for planned tooth movement.
With CEREC same-day crown technology available for many cases, we can restore and protect teeth efficiently before or between orthodontic phases.
Where dental implants fit in
Implants replace missing roots to support crowns, bridges, or full-arch prosthetics. They are often timed after orthodontics to ensure the implant is placed in the ideal position relative to your final bite. Typical sequence:
- Align teeth and shape the space.
- Place the implant and allow time for healing and integration.
- Attach the custom abutment and crown or connect the full-arch prosthesis.
If you are considering implants in Broward County, our team plans them with 3D imaging and coordinates placement and restoration under one roof. Learn more about implant options in Pembroke Pines here: https://www.smileperfectionortho.com/locations/pembroke-pines/dental-implants
Digital previews, before-and-after expectations, and timelines
Digital smile design tools let you preview tooth proportions, alignment changes, and shade improvements. We also share before-and-after examples during consults so you can compare approaches, such as aligners plus bonding versus porcelain veneers.
Timelines vary by case, but here is a common flow:
- Orthodontics: about 12 to 24 months for many cases.
- Whitening: often 1 to 2 visits for in-office, or several weeks with supervised take-home trays.
- Veneers or crowns: typically 1 to 2 visits per area, with certain same-day crowns possible.
- Implant placement to final crown: several months depending on healing, bone needs, and whether grafting is required.
Your provider will outline a personalized schedule and explain what happens at each step.
Maintenance that protects results
Long-lasting results come from daily home care and routine maintenance. Expect to:
- Wear retainers as directed to keep teeth from shifting.
- Use a nightguard if you clench or grind.
- Keep regular cleanings and checkups.
- Follow whitening sensitivity guidance and veneer or crown care instructions.
- Clean around implants with floss, interdental brushes, and professional maintenance.
With good habits and routine care, orthodontic results can remain stable for years, veneers and crowns often last 10 to 15 years or more, and implants can last many years with proper maintenance. Lifespan depends on your bite, materials, and home care.
Financing, insurance, and phased planning
Many patients complete care in phases to fit timelines and budgets. Our coordinators map out must-do health items first, then stage cosmetic upgrades. We accept many insurances, offer in-house financing for orthodontics, and work with HSA or FSA funds when available. Coverage for full mouth reconstruction varies by plan and diagnosis. We verify benefits, explain expected out-of-pocket costs, and never require you to decide on the spot. If you need emergency care during treatment, our team helps you get seen promptly. For urgent needs in Pembroke Pines, start here: https://www.smileperfectionortho.com/locations/pembroke-pines/emergency-dentist
Quick FAQ
- What is the best solution to replace missing teeth? Dental implants are often the closest to natural teeth in function and appearance. They help preserve bone and can support a single crown, a bridge, or a full-arch restoration. Bridges and partial dentures are good alternatives when implants are not ideal. The best choice depends on bone health, neighboring teeth, medical history, and your goals.
- Can a permanent tooth be replaced? Yes. When a permanent tooth is lost or non-restorable, it can be replaced with a dental implant, a bridge, or a removable prosthesis. An implant-supported crown most closely mimics a natural tooth if you are a good candidate.
- Is $5000 expensive for braces? Orthodontic fees vary by region, complexity, and appliance type. In many markets, a total fee near $5,000 is within a common range for comprehensive treatment. Our practice offers promotional packages and monthly payment options for qualifying patients. We will review your case and provide a clear estimate before you start.
- How do braces affect face shape? By aligning teeth and improving the bite, braces or clear aligners can subtly enhance smile width and lip support. Significant facial changes are uncommon in adults, but improved tooth position often makes the smile look more balanced. In growing teens, guided orthodontics can influence jaw relationships when appropriate.
- Does insurance cover full mouth reconstruction? Coverage depends on your plan and the clinical reasons for treatment. Restorative procedures that address decay, fractures, or function may receive benefits, while purely cosmetic procedures may not. Our coordinators check benefits, submit pre-authorizations when possible, and explain expected coverage before treatment.
- How long does a smile makeover last? It depends on the procedures and your home care. Orthodontic alignment is maintained with retainers. Veneers and crowns commonly last 10 to 15 years or longer with good habits. Implant restorations can last many years with routine maintenance. Nightguards and regular checkups help extend longevity.
A smart sequence for a confident smile
The smartest smile plans align teeth where needed, strengthen what is damaged, and replace what is missing in a sequence that supports long-term health and aesthetics. With digital scans, 3D planning, and clear financing options, you can move forward confidently and at your own pace.
Ready to see your options? Book a comprehensive smile planning visit with digital scans. Our team will show you previews, outline timelines, verify insurance, and create a phased plan that fits your goals and budget.