Dental professional explaining digital teeth scan results to two female patients in a modern clinic.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Preserve Your Best Feature

Smiling young woman with blonde hair wearing a denim jacket in front of a historic stone fountain.

Enhance your smile with beautiful, natural-looking cosmetic treatments.

So when I'm looking to see if somebody needs a smile transformation or they're wanting some type of cosmetic dentistry, it's really my conversation with them. What are they wanting and see how we can help them. We tailor everyone a little bit different.

 Some people just need a little bit of something, some people need a whole smile transformation, but it might just be that you have a little bit of a gummy smile and we're able to just kind of recontour the gum tissue a little bit and that can change your smile. So it's important to see what everybody wants. That's why we have a long conversation with them at their first visit to see how we can treat them comprehensively.

And we'll treat what needs to be fixed from a dental standpoint, but also we want to know how you want to be treated just from a smile standpoint or anything else. Just coming in for a consultation is going to allow us to listen to you and kind of see what exactly is that is that you want and we can tailor whatever you need from that. So we're going to look at everything whenever you come in for a smile consultation or any type of cosmetic dentistry.

We're going to look at everything from a comprehensive standpoint. So it could be that you want your teeth to look a bit better, but you might have some gum tissue problems. So we're going to be, we can fix all those things here.

And it's important to make sure that the foundation of the teeth are in good shape before we start looking into fixing how they look as well. So we're going to address all that as we're looking at everything. I think it's important when somebody's looking at their smile and thinking whether or not they want some cosmetic dentistry or not to kind of stand back and say, how does this, how will this affect me? A lot of people are a little apprehensive to smile because they're self-conscious about how they look or what their teeth look like.

So I think it's important for if they're thinking, hey, how does this affect me on a, how can this affect me on a day-to-day basis? I think that's, that's really what they need to be looking at and see how it affects them in a positive or negative way. So, so because we look at everything from a comprehensive standpoint, from looking at their teeth, we're going to make sure that the teeth and your overall health is taken care of as well as the cosmetic portion of it. So it's not just fixing a tooth and how it looks.We're going to make sure that you're treated comprehensively.

Achieve Your Dream Smile With Your Cosmetic Dentist in Wilmington

Restoring the look of your smile can give you a major confidence boost. Dr. Shumate, your cosmetic dentist in Wilmington, can improve the appearance of your teeth and gums in a way that looks natural and enhances your smile's beauty. As a result, you will:

  • Experience an improvement in your self-esteem
  • Receive treatment recommendations that are specific to your unique needs
  • Enjoy results that can last for years with good oral care habits
  • Strengthen your teeth and protect them from further wear and tear
  • Look younger, healthier, and more attractive overall

No insurance? Join our Membership Club for savings on treatment. If it's your first appointment, take advantage of our $149 cleaning and exam for new patients (savings of $318!).

Receptionist assisting a smiling man at the front desk of Porters Neck Cosmetic and Family Dentistry office.

Take the First Step Toward a More Confident Smile

At Porters Neck Dentistry, we believe that investing in your smile is a worthwhile journey. A survey by the American Dental Association revealed that a smile is the most attractive feature. We agree!

During your consultation, Dr. Shumate will discuss your goals and desires. With his focus on personalized treatment, he wants to build a relationship with you.

Every smile is unique, and our approach is too. Your dentist will take the time to accommodate your needs while delivering beautiful results.

If you feel nervous about treatment, we can help. We offer weighted blankets, known for relieving stress. You can also wear headphones if you don't want to hear the sounds of our equipment. And you can opt for sedation if you need extra help feeling calm.

Explore Our Customizable Cosmetic Solutions

You'll find a wide range of cosmetic services at our practice. Depending on your goals, your dentist may recommend:

  • Teeth Whitening - You can choose in-office or at-home Opalescence options for teeth whitening. These professional solutions are safer and more effective than store-bought products for brightening your smile.
  • Veneers - With e.max veneers, your dentist can disguise dental flaws you've been trying to hide. These small shells can correct slight damage, discoloration, gaps, or misshapen teeth. With proper care, veneers will look great for at least a decade.
  • Tooth Bonding - Bonding can correct minor flaws without breaking the bank. Results can last for years with good oral care habits.
  • Gummy Smile Treatment - Your dentist offers specialized treatments to address a gummy smile. He can correct the proportion and appearance of your gums for a more balanced appearance.
  • Invisalign® - Straighten your smile discreetly and comfortably with Invisalign clear aligners. This treatment is a convenient and low-key alternative to traditional braces.
  • Smile Makeover - Our smile makeovers combine various cosmetic procedures to address multiple issues with your smile. Your dentist plans your treatment using digital imaging. He can also show you how your results will look using a wax-up model of your smile. The model will give you confidence to move forward.

Achieve the smile of your dreams with your cosmetic dentist in Wilmington.

5 out of 5 stars - 710 votes

5 Stars (710 Reviews)

Read Why Patients Love Us

Patients appreciate the special care they receive from our team. Check out what they have to say!

5

1st day here was great! Staff were all super nice. Really liked chatting with the dentists as well as the dental assistants. Did a really good job of cleaning and photographing my teeth. They were all super friendly! And then there is the fact that Dr Shumate was the only dentist around here...
1st day here was great! Staff were all super nice. Really liked chatting with the dentists as well as the dental assistants. Did a really good job of cleaning and photographing my teeth. They were all super friendly! And then there is the fact that Dr Shumate was the only dentist around here that was able to repair a difficult / complex issue with my wifes teeth (dealing with severe allergies to Novocaine) - so yeah, needless to say, have been hopeful and highly impressed. Highly recommended!!

5

My husband and I wanted a Dentist closer to home. Wilmington traffic is unbearable! Dr. Shumate's office is only 15 min. away from home. We really lucked up. Dr. Shumate provides cosmetic dentistry, places dental implants, and offers family Dentistry. I visited Dr. Shumate, thinking I would...
My husband and I wanted a Dentist closer to home. Wilmington traffic is unbearable! Dr. Shumate's office is only 15 min. away from home. We really lucked up. Dr. Shumate provides cosmetic dentistry, places dental implants, and offers family Dentistry. I visited Dr. Shumate, thinking I would start there, but I also had to see an oral surgeon. Nope, Dr. Shumate placed my dental implants, and I love Dr. Dana. He is a perfectionist, kind, and a gentleman. Of course, my better half sees Dr. Lauren and is so happy with her work. He also enjoys going into their office. We both do, the staff is professional and well-trained. While the receptionists are respectful and professional. I couldn't ask for more! Paula and Alan Lanier

5

From the time you walk till the time you walk out you feel like family. As a nervous patient the entire staff made me feel at ease. Dr Shumate is very kind and takes the time to make sure you are well taken care of. And yes I took a fresh baked cookie from the lobby! Nice touch!

5

The entire team was incredibly kind, patient, and professional from start to finish. They went out of their way to provide extra care and make sure I felt comfortable as a nervous patient, which I really appreciated. You can tell they genuinely care about their patients. Highly recommend.

5

A wonderful experience. The waiting room is nice, updated and clean, the ladies at the desk are super professional and will help you with all your insurance and payment options. My dental hygienist was super nice, friendly and understanding of my needs being an anxious dental patient! She...
A wonderful experience. The waiting room is nice, updated and clean, the ladies at the desk are super professional and will help you with all your insurance and payment options. My dental hygienist was super nice, friendly and understanding of my needs being an anxious dental patient! She took extra time and care with my teeth which I really appreciated! She made sure I was comfortable. Dr. Dana Shumate is top notch and really friendly! He really knows his stuff but also is kind and genuine. If you want a new dental experience check out this practice, it’s a pleasure going there and especially if you are an anxious patient! 😁

5

I went in for my 6 month cleaning yesterday. The hygienist, Lindsey, was running behind, but worked very efficiently to perform my cleaning. She was thorough, and did a great job. The office personnel is always friendly and welcoming. Dr. Shumate is kind and understanding. I’ve been going to...
I went in for my 6 month cleaning yesterday. The hygienist, Lindsey, was running behind, but worked very efficiently to perform my cleaning. She was thorough, and did a great job. The office personnel is always friendly and welcoming. Dr. Shumate is kind and understanding. I’ve been going to their office for nearly 10 years. If there are ever any issues, they work well to resolve whatever needs attention,

5

I appreciate how clean & welcoming the office is, and they do a great job of staying on schedule so my kids and I aren't left waiting. The staff is always helpful, and friendly. Highly recommend!

5

Great staff! Very good and efficient work done! Satisfied tremendously! Thanks Smith Family. Dentistry @ Porters Neck, Wilmington NC

Patient Resources

Commonly Asked Questions About Cosmetic Dentistry

Is cosmetic dentistry worth it?
Changing your smile through cosmetic dentistry can make a big difference. When your teeth and gums look better, you'll feel more comfortable and confident in social situations. This newfound confidence can help you achieve greater success at work and beyond.
Is cosmetic dentistry painful?
The level of discomfort you feel can vary based on your personal pain tolerance and the type of procedure you're having. Thanks to improvements in dental technology and methods, cosmetic dentistry is much more comfortable today. Most cosmetic dental treatments can be performed under local anesthesia, and we also offer sedation options if you need extra help relaxing.
Does cosmetic dentistry improve oral health?

The main goal of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the appearance of your smile, but it also benefits your oral health. Procedures such as whitening, veneers, and orthodontic treatment can encourage you to maintain good dental hygiene habits. They also correct problems like misaligned teeth, which helps prevent other oral health concerns. Therefore, cosmetic dentistry, while mostly about appearance, helps keep your teeth healthy.