Many people want a smile they feel confident about but aren’t sure where to start. Close a gap? Fix crowding? Improve the bite? Smile design is a way of planning those changes together, with your whole smile in mind, instead of treating one tooth at a time. Here’s what smile design means at Southwest Smiles and what to expect. Results vary, and your doctor will evaluate your case.
Smile design, defined
Smile design is a personalized treatment plan that looks at how your teeth and bite fit with your gums, lips and face. The goal is a healthy, functional smile that suits you.
At Southwest Smiles, smile design is orthodontic: moving teeth into better positions with braces or clear aligners. The right plan is decided after a full evaluation.
Why start with orthodontics?
Tooth position affects much more than looks. Crowded teeth, gaps, a deep or edge-to-edge bite, or teeth that stick out can make cleaning harder and can contribute to uneven wear over time. Aligning the teeth can:
- create a more balanced base for the rest of the smile;
- make some areas of the teeth easier to brush and floss;
- improve how the upper and lower teeth meet.
Orthodontic treatment at our practice is provided by Dr. Maria Valentina Martinez Morales, a general dentist with a DMD from Boston University and postgraduate training in orthodontics (Universidad de Carabobo, Venezuela).
How the smile design process works
- Full consultation. Your first visit is a complete consultation. We listen to what you’d like to change and examine your teeth and bite. Depending on your case, your doctor may recommend X-rays or photos to plan your care.
- Treatment plan. Your doctor explains the recommended orthodontic steps, such as braces or clear aligners.
- Treatment. Care follows the plan, with check-ins along the way.
- Retainers. After teeth move, retainers help keep them in their new position. Retainers are worn practically for life: after an initial period, most people wear them at night, as your doctor indicates.
Your care team
Southwest Smiles has two general dentists. Dr. Maria Valentina provides our orthodontic care. Dr. Juliana Garcia de Paiva Araujo sees patients Monday through Thursday at our Las Cruces office and speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese. Meet them on our Meet Our Doctors page.
Paying for orthodontic treatment
We offer in-house financing for orthodontic treatment and accept most insurance plans, including Medicaid. Orthodontic coverage depends on your plan. New Mexico Medicaid, for example, covers braces only for patients under 21 when treatment is medically necessary and pre-approved; adults usually aren’t covered for braces. Our team will review your coverage with you before treatment starts.
Frequently asked questions
What is smile design?
Smile design is a personalized orthodontic plan that aims to improve how your whole smile looks and works.
Is smile design done with braces or aligners?
It can be either. At Southwest Smiles, smile design uses braces or clear aligners, and your doctor recommends the option that fits your case after an evaluation.
Is smile design only cosmetic?
No. It considers health and bite function as well as appearance.
How long does smile design take?
It depends on the plan. Your doctor will give you an estimate after your consultation. Results and timing vary.
Where can I get smile design near me?
Southwest Smiles has offices at 1700 N Main St in Las Cruces and 710 S Gold Ave in Deming.
Start planning your smile
Learn more on our Smile Design page, then book online or call (575) 546-1400 or send us an SMS.
General information, not medical advice. Results vary; your doctor will evaluate your case.
Ready to talk with our team?
Book a full consultation in Las Cruces or Deming, or call (575) 546-1400 or send us an SMS.