Treatment Pathways at Smile Science
How we think about care, predictability, and long-term outcomes
Why Dental Treatment Isn’t a Menu of Prices
Many patients come to us expecting dental care to work like a menu: a list of procedures with fixed prices. In reality, dentistry does not work that way.
Two people with “the same tooth problem” often have very different anatomy, bite forces, infection patterns, immune health, oral habits, and long-term risks. The treatment that works predictably for one patient may fail early for another.
That is why we organize care around clinical pathways, not isolated procedures. Each pathway reflects how our dental team actually plans treatment: based on anatomy, complexity, predictability, and longevity, not just the immediate concern.
How We Structure Treatment at Smile Science
Every treatment plan we recommend is shaped by four clinical realities:
- Anatomy involved – bone quality, gum health, bite forces, and space
- Complexity of care – surgical vs non-surgical, staging, healing time
- Predictability – likelihood of success over time, not just day one
- Longevity – how long the solution is expected to last with proper care
Our treatment packages reflect complete clinical pathways, not line-item billing. This approach reduces surprises, improves outcomes, and allows patients to make informed decisions without feeling sold to.
Clinical Treatment Pathways
Below are the most common treatment pathways patients follow. Not every patient fits neatly into one category, but most care falls within these frameworks.
Acute Care & Stabilization Pathways
Who this pathway is for
For patients experiencing pain, infection, swelling, trauma, or sudden changes that require immediate evaluation and stabilization.
What this pathway typically includes
- Focused examination and diagnostic imaging
- Identification of the underlying cause
- Immediate relief or stabilization when possible
- Clear guidance on next steps if definitive treatment is needed
Important Context
This pathway is designed to address urgency, not to complete long-term treatment in a single visit. Many patients transition from stabilization into a preservation or replacement pathway once the underlying issue is fully understood.
Emergency Evaluation & Imaging
Focused examination and diagnostic imaging to identify the cause of pain, infection, or swelling and determine appropriate next steps.
Root Canal + Definitive Restoration
Infection control followed by a restoration designed to protect the tooth from fracture and restore long-term function.
Surgical Extraction + Site Preservation
Removal of a non-restorable tooth with measures taken to preserve bone and prepare the site for future replacement if indicated.
Extraction + Immediate Implant (Select Cases)
Tooth removal and implant placement in a single visit when anatomy, infection control, and primary stability allow for predictable outcomes.
Tooth Preservation Pathways
Who this pathway is for
Patients whose natural teeth can be predictably maintained with appropriate restorative care.
Clinical Reality
Preserving a tooth often requires more than addressing what is visible. Structural integrity, prior restorations, bite forces, and infection history all influence whether preservation is predictable or temporary.
What this pathway may include
- Restorative care designed to reinforce remaining tooth structure
- Endodontic treatment when infection is present
- Definitive restorations designed for long-term function
Why outcomes vary
Two teeth that look similar on the surface may have very different long-term risks. This is why pricing and recommendations vary across patients and offices.
Structural Tooth Preservation Package
Treatment designed to preserve compromised teeth where fracture risk, prior restorations, or bite forces threaten longevity. May include build-up strategies, occlusal management, and restorative design beyond routine fillings.
Premium Esthetic Restoration
Infection control followed by a restoration designed to protect the tooth from fracture and restore long-term function.
Accelerated Treatment Delivery
Removal of a non-restorable tooth with measures taken to preserve bone and prepare the site for future replacement if indicated.
Occlusal Risk Management
Evaluation and adjustment of bite forces to protect restored teeth from overload or premature failure. Often paired with restorative or prosthetic treatment in patients with parafunction or complex occlusion.
Tooth Replacement Pathways
Who this pathway is for
Patients missing teeth or facing tooth loss where preservation is no longer predictable.
Key distinction
Most patients believe they are choosing between “dentures” and “implants.” In reality, patients are choosing between short-term solutions and long-term strategies.
Replacement options exist along a spectrum
- Removable solutions with lower initial complexity
- Fixed non-implant solutions in select cases
- Implant-based solutions designed for stability and longevity
What determines the right pathway
Bone anatomy, bite forces, esthetic goals, and long-term expectations all influence which approach is appropriate.
Understanding Implant Pricing
Implant placement only
$1,500
Represents surgical placement of the implant fixture only. Does not include restoration, bite considerations, or long-term responsibility for function.
Complete implant pathway
$4,500
Includes diagnosis, planning, implant placement, restoration, and coordinated follow-up designed for long-term predictability.
Typical Local Market Range
$4,000 - $7,000
In the Glendale and greater Phoenix area, patients commonly encounter full single-tooth implant quotes ranging from ~$4,000 to $7,000, depending on scope, materials, and follow-up structure.
Full-Arch Rehabilitation Pathways
Who this pathway is for
Patients with advanced tooth loss, failing dentition, or long-standing breakdown affecting function and quality of life.
Clinical framing
Full-arch care is not a single procedure. It is a comprehensive reconstruction process involving diagnosis, surgery, prosthetic design, and long-term maintenance planning.
Why prices vary widely
Differences between offices often reflect:
- Surgical complexity
- Implant number and positioning
- Prosthetic materials and design
- Sedation, staging, and follow-up care
This pathway prioritizes predictability and long-term function over speed or minimal upfront cost.
What determines the right pathway
Bone anatomy, bite forces, esthetic goals, and long-term expectations all influence which approach is appropriate. Patients can reasonably expect us to stand behind comprehensive full-arch care delivered within a long-term doctor–patient relationship.
Full-Arch Rehabilitation Pricing
Full-Arch Implants
$17,000
This pathway includes comprehensive diagnosis, surgical placement of multiple implants, prosthetic design, and coordinated follow-up. It is designed for patients whose anatomy allows for a predictable, stable full-arch reconstruction using a foundational implant strategy appropriate for the patient’s anatomy.
Advanced Reconstruction
$21,000
This pathway is designed for cases requiring increased surgical complexity, additional planning, or enhanced prosthetic design. It is commonly indicated when bone quality, bite forces, or functional demands exceed what standard approaches can reliably support.
Full-Mouth Rehabilitation
Evaluation-dependent
A comprehensive, staged treatment approach designed to restore function, comfort, and stability across the entire bite. Treatment may involve crowns, bridges, selective extractions, implants, bite correction, and occlusal planning based on anatomy, wear patterns, and long-term prognosis.
Remote Anchorage
$30,000
This pathway is reserved for cases where traditional implant placement is not predictable due to severe bone loss or anatomical limitations. It involves advanced surgical planning and execution to achieve stability and long-term function when conventional strategies are not appropriate.
Our goal is to offer the most affordable treatment possible without cutting corners, while maintaining high clinical standards, predictable outcomes, and long-term accountability.
Periodontal Health & Maintenance Pathway
Who this pathway is for
Patients with gum inflammation, bone loss, bleeding, or a history of periodontal disease that places teeth or implants at long-term risk.
Clinical reality
Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that affects the supporting structures of the teeth. Stabilizing gum and bone health is often essential before restorative or implant treatment can succeed.
What this pathway may include
- Periodontal evaluation and risk assessment
- Active periodontal therapy when disease is present
- Ongoing periodontal maintenance visits
- Coordination with restorative or implant care when indicated
Why this pathway matters
Untreated periodontal disease is a leading cause of tooth and implant failure. Long-term success depends on consistent monitoring and maintenance.
Periodontal Therapy & Maintenance
Comprehensive non-surgical management of gum disease designed to control infection and stabilize periodontal health. May include scaling and root planing, localized antimicrobial therapy, adjunctive laser decontamination, and ongoing maintenance planning based on individual risk.
Advanced Gum Therapy
For patients with more advanced or persistent periodontal disease requiring additional interventions. Treatment may include diode laser therapy, localized antimicrobials such as Arestin, prescription oral rinses like OraCare, and customized maintenance strategies based on response and anatomy.
Surgical Care Pathway
Who this pathway is for
Patients requiring surgical procedures due to anatomy, impaction, infection, or prior dental treatment.
Clinical framing
Surgical dental care requires careful planning, appropriate anesthesia, and controlled execution to minimize complications and support healing.
What this pathway may include
- Surgical tooth removal
- Wisdom teeth removal with IV sedation when indicated
- Bone grafting or site development
- Sedation-supported procedures for comfort and safety
The importance of this pathway
Not all surgical cases are alike. Treatment approach, sedation needs, and recovery planning depend on anatomy, health history, and procedural complexity.
Advanced Surgical Extraction & Reconstruction
Removal of teeth requiring advanced surgical technique due to impaction, proximity to vital structures, infection, or anatomical complexity. This package includes surgical planning, atraumatic technique, and reconstruction measures beyond routine site preservation.
Wisdom Teeth Surgery
Comprehensive surgical management of impacted or symptomatic third molars, including evaluation, surgical removal, and post-operative planning. Designed for cases where anatomy, impaction depth, or nerve proximity require surgical expertise.
Advanced Bone Grafting & Ridge Reconstruction
Reconstruction of deficient alveolar bone to support future implants or prosthetic stability. May involve guided bone regeneration, staged grafting, or large-volume defects requiring advanced planning and healing timelines.
Orthodontic & Alignment Pathway
Who this pathway is for
Patients with misalignment, bite imbalance, or crowding that affects function, wear patterns, or long-term dental stability.
Clinical reality
Tooth position and bite forces play a major role in dental longevity. Alignment treatment is often part of a broader plan to protect restorations and natural teeth.
What this pathway may include
- Comprehensive alignment and bite evaluation
- Clear aligner therapy when appropriate
- Coordination with restorative or periodontal care
Important considerations
While esthetics often improve with orthodontic treatment, the primary goal is functional balance and reduced long-term risk.
Comprehensive Smile Alignment & Retention
Orthodontic alignment designed to improve function, comfort, and esthetics while supporting long-term stability. This package includes digital treatment planning, active orthodontic therapy, refinement when needed, and structured retention to maintain results after movement is complete.
Bite-Guided Orthodontic Planning
Advanced alignment planning for patients with complex occlusion, wear patterns, or functional concerns. Treatment sequencing and attachment strategy are designed to balance esthetic goals with bite forces, joint health, and restorative considerations.
Cosmetic & Esthetic Enhancement Pathway
Who this pathway is for
Patients seeking esthetic improvements once oral health and function are stable.
Clinical framing
Cosmetic care is most predictable when built on a healthy foundation. Esthetic decisions are guided by anatomy, bite, and long-term maintenance considerations.
What this pathway may include
- Veneers or esthetic restorations
- Professional whitening
- Conservative esthetic refinements
- Neuromodulators
Why this pathway matters
Cosmetic dentistry is not just about appearance. Tooth shape, alignment, and wear patterns affect speech, comfort, and long-term stability. This pathway keeps esthetic goals grounded in diagnosis, materials, and bite design so results last.
Esthetic Smile Enhancement Planning
Comprehensive esthetic planning that may combine alignment, whitening, and selective restorative refinement to achieve balanced, natural results. This package focuses on sequencing care appropriately rather than performing isolated cosmetic procedures.
Whitening & Esthetic Refinement
Professional whitening delivered as part of a broader esthetic or restorative plan. Often paired with orthodontic alignment or completed restorative care to enhance final shade, symmetry, and overall smile harmony.
Premium Esthetic Restoration
Esthetic-focused restorative treatment emphasizing shade accuracy, contour, and natural translucency. This package may include advanced lab communication, photography, provisional refinement, and additional clinical time to achieve high-level cosmetic outcomes.
How To Choose a Clinical Pathway
Most patients begin with a specific idea of what they want. After evaluation, anatomy and predictability often guide the final decision.
Common patterns we see:
- Patients seeking a quick fix who ultimately choose a more durable solution
- Patients surprised by how much prior dental history affects outcomes
- Patients who prioritize longevity once they understand revision risk
- Patients who pursue lower-cost care elsewhere and later seek corrective treatment when planning, materials, or long-term support fall short
In many of these cases, patients discover that long-term accountability, regulatory oversight, and follow-up protections were not part of the original care model. Our role is to explain trade-offs clearly so patients can choose confidently, without pressure.
Most patients begin with an evaluation to determine which treatment pathway is appropriate.
Why Prices Vary Between Offices
Patients are often surprised by large price differences for seemingly similar treatments. Common reasons include:
- Whether care is bundled or unbundled
- Temporary vs definitive solutions
- Laboratory quality and material selection
- Surgical planning and imaging depth
- Time allocation and follow-up care
- Ongoing accountability and continuity of care if treatment requires adjustment or replacement
Higher prices do not automatically mean better care, but extremely low prices often reflect shortcuts, limited follow-up, or reduced long-term responsibility that shift risk back onto the patient.
Who These Pathways Are Designed For
Designed for
- Patients who value predictability and long-term outcomes
- Patients who want clarity before committing to treatment
- Patients seeking complete plans rather than piecemeal dentistry
May not be the right fit
- Patients seeking the lowest possible upfront price
- Patients who want procedure-only pricing without diagnosis
- Patients unwilling to consider anatomy-based recommendations
Common Questions About Treatment and Pricing
Why can’t you quote an exact price online?
We cannot diagnose conditions online or over the phone, and we do not quote prices for problems we have not evaluated.
Many dental issues involve underlying infection, bone loss, structural damage, or bite forces that are not visible without an in-person exam and imaging. Two patients describing the same concern may require very different levels of care once those factors are identified.
Online pricing can provide general context, but accurate recommendations and exact costs require diagnosis.
Why are your prices sometimes higher than other offices?
Pricing differences often reflect what is included beyond the procedure itself: planning, materials, surgical approach, time allocation, and follow-up care.
Lower prices may reflect unbundled services, limited warranties, temporary solutions, or reduced long-term accountability. Higher prices do not automatically mean better care, but extremely low prices often shift risk back onto the patient.
Do you stand behind your work?
Patients treated at our practice can reasonably expect continuity of care and accountability. If something requires adjustment or repair due to clinical failure, we are here to address it within the context of a long-term doctor–patient relationship.
This is different from models where treatment is delivered once, with limited follow-up or geographic separation.
What happens if my treatment needs change?
Dentistry is biological, and treatment plans sometimes evolve. When anatomy or healing requires an adjustment, we discuss options transparently and revise the plan accordingly.
Our goal is not to lock patients into rigid plans, but to guide care responsibly as conditions become clearer.
How do membership plans relate to treatment pricing?
Membership plans are designed to provide predictable access to care and preferred member pricing. They do not change clinical recommendations, but they do affect how care is structured and accessed over time.
Membership is not required for evaluation, but it often benefits patients who anticipate ongoing care.
Why do some offices advertise lower prices?
Some offices quote partial procedures, limited-scope care, or temporary solutions rather than complete treatment pathways. Others rely on high-volume or geographically distant models that reduce long-term responsibility for outcomes.
In some cases, low initial pricing is designed to get patients into the office, knowing it is inconvenient to seek alternatives once time has been invested.
Patients should always ask what is included, what is excluded, and what happens if treatment needs to be repaired or replaced after it is completed.
Is this approach right for everyone?
This approach works best for patients who value predictability, long-term outcomes, and clear planning.
It may not be the right fit for patients seeking the lowest possible upfront price or procedure-only care without diagnosis or follow-up.
Do these prices include future repairs or adjustments?
Yes, when treatment is delivered as a complete clinical pathway, pricing reflects not just the procedure itself, but coordinated planning, execution, and reasonable follow-up care.
Dentistry is biological, and adjustments are sometimes required as healing occurs or function is tested over time. Patients treated within comprehensive pathways can reasonably expect continuity of care and accountability if refinements, adjustments, or repairs are needed due to clinical factors.
This is different from limited-scope or procedure-only pricing models, where responsibility often ends once the procedure is completed.
Long-term success still depends on proper maintenance, oral hygiene, and follow-up visits. Future disease, trauma, or neglect are not predictable or included in any upfront price.