Digital Smile Design in Edwardsville, Illinois
A Clear Virtual Preview for Confident Cosmetic Smile Decisions
- Picture your future smile before committing to cosmetic dentistry
- See a smile designed around your facial symmetry, not teeth alone
- Feel more at ease knowing what your cosmetic treatment may bring
Patient Stories
Real Smiles, Real People, Real Change
Some things you have to see to believe, like the look on someone’s face when they spot their new smile for the first time. Watch our patients share, in their own words, what their experience was really like and how it changed the way they smile.
Your Best Smile Starts Here
In 60-Seconds, Determine Your Dental Implant Eligibility.
Preview your cosmetic smile
What Is Digital Smile Design?
Digital Smile Design is a digital planning process for cosmetic dentistry. It uses digital scans, images, and videos to review your teeth, gums, facial symmetry, bone structure, and dental profile. This information creates a virtual mock-up of possible smile changes before procedures begin. Your dentist can compare options such as veneers, whitening, bonding, tooth replacement, cosmetic restorations, or a smile makeover during consultation.
- Uses scans, images, and videos to create a virtual smile mock-up.
- Reviews facial symmetry, bone structure, and dental profile, not teeth alone.
- Can preview veneers, whitening, bonding, restorations, tooth replacement, or smile makeovers.
Plan Your Smile With Clarity
Benefits of Digital Smile Design
Choosing cosmetic care can feel uncertain when you cannot picture the final direction. Digital Smile Design gives you a clearer way to explore possibilities before committing, helping you and your dentist share the same vision. That added understanding can make the cosmetic journey feel more personal, thoughtful, and aligned with what you want from your smile.
See Your Future Smile Clearly
Unsure how cosmetic changes may look? A clear preview helps you picture your smile before moving forward, so you can compare possibilities and choose a direction that feels right for your face and goals.
Make Choices with Confidence
When several cosmetic options sound appealing, seeing the difference can make the decision easier. You can discuss what you like, what you would change, and what fits your vision before your cosmetic journey begins.
Feel More at Ease Throughout
Uncertainty can make a smile change feel stressful. Knowing what to expect helps you relax, ask informed questions, and move ahead with greater peace of mind instead of imagining every possible outcome.
Create Balance That Suits You
A smile should complement more than your teeth. Considering your full facial appearance helps create a balanced look that feels natural when you speak, laugh, and meet people in everyday moments.
Express Yourself More Freely
If you hide your smile in photos or conversations, greater clarity about your cosmetic goals can restore confidence. You may feel more comfortable laughing, meeting new people, and sharing your personality without holding back.
Plan Around Your Priorities
Your concerns may involve color, shape, spacing, or more than one detail. A personalized preview brings those priorities together, helping you focus on the changes that matter most for your daily life and self-image.
Move Forward with a Smile Plan That Feels Clear and Truly Yours
See your smile possibilities
Is Digital Smile Design Right for You?
Many people wonder whether Digital Smile Design is right for them. Use this section to reflect on your goals and see whether a virtual preview could bring clarity to your cosmetic decisions.
Exploring Your Cosmetic Possibilities
Cosmetic goals can feel easier to consider when you see a preview first. You can explore options such as veneers, whitening, bonding, or restorations while Digital Smile Design helps clarify what may suit your smile.
Seeking a Balanced Facial Look
Your smile is part of your whole appearance, not an isolated row of teeth. Digital Smile Design considers facial symmetry during the mock-up, helping you picture cosmetic possibilities that complement your features.
Reconsidering Your Cosmetic Options
Past uncertainty or postponed care can make candidacy feel unclear. A comprehensive consultation reviews your teeth, gums, and dental health, and your dentist can explain pretreatments, alternatives, and whether Digital Smile Design fits.
Do Any of These Moments Feel Familiar?
Wondering whether you qualify is normal, especially when cosmetic goals feel personal. Your comprehensive consultation gives a chance to review your teeth, gums, and dental health, then explain whether Digital Smile Design fits your journey.
- Putting off your cosmetic consultation keeps your questions unresolved
- A chipped or misshapen tooth distracts you in photos
- You hide your smile when photos capture everyday moments
- Important conversations feel harder when confidence in your smile fades
- Recently, you notice a change in your smile
- Old bonding no longer matches the smile you want
Build a Clear Plan Around Your Smile Goals
Before and After Results
Natural Results That Build Confidence
From small refinements to full-mouth restoration, these results show what careful planning and years of hands-on work can do. The smiles look balanced and natural, and the patients behind them left with stronger chewing, easier meals, and real confidence in how they look.
Before
After
After
After
Your Transformation Starts Here
Schedule an appointment and start your smile journey today.
Same Day
Emergency Appointments
98%
Satisfaction Rate
40+
Years Combined Experience
500+
Implants Placed
3
Sedation Options
4.8
Average Rating
What to expect
The Digital Smile Design Process in Three Steps
Knowing what to expect can make your cosmetic journey feel more manageable. Digital Smile Design gives you a clearer view of possible results, helping you feel more confident as you consider options that fit your smile, facial appearance, oral health, and personal goals.
1
Your Smile Consultation
Your appointment begins with a conversation about what you would like to change and what you hope to see in your smile. We review your teeth, gums, and dental health to assess candidacy. If pretreatment is needed, such as cavity or gum care, we explain why and discuss appropriate options.
2
Your Virtual Smile Preview
Digital scans, images, and videos help create a virtual mock-up of your potential smile. The preview considers your facial symmetry, bone structure, dental profile, and overall appearance, not just your teeth. You can explore possibilities such as veneers, whitening, bonding, crowns, or tooth replacement before choosing a cosmetic direction.
3
A Clearer Cosmetic Plan
After viewing your preview, you have a more informed way to consider your options and share what feels right. If a specific treatment is not suitable, we explain the reason and recommend alternatives. You leave with greater peace of mind and a clearer vision for your cosmetic journey.
Your Confident Smile in Every Close-up
Smile Advantage Plan
Preventive Care Without the Premiums
Dental insurance is not the only way to stay on top of your teeth. Our Smile Advantage Plan covers your preventive care for one annual fee and takes 20% off everything else at our Edwardsville, IL, office. Pick the plan that matches your mouth rather than the one an insurance company assigned you.
Child Plan
For patients age 13 and younger
$
339
/year
- 2 routine cleanings each year
- 2 routine cleanings each year
- Digital x-rays and bitewings as needed
- 1 emergency visit, with exam and x-rays included
- Up to 2 fluoride treatments when indicated
- 20% off any additional treatment
Adult Plan
For healthy smiles needing regular care
$
389
/year
- 2 routine cleanings each year
- 2 full dental exams
- Digital x-rays and bitewings as needed
- 1 emergency visit, with exam and x-rays included
- Oral cancer screening
- 20% off any additional treatment
Gum Health Plan
For patients managing gum disease
$
689
/year
- 4 periodontal maintenance visits per year
- 2 full dental exams
- Digital x-rays and bitewings as needed
- 1 emergency visit, with exam and x-rays included
- Oral cancer screening
- 20% off any additional treatment
- $200 off a sleep apnea appliance
Cleanings, x-rays, and fluoride treatments are provided as determined by your dentist. If periodontal infection is present, the Gum Health Plan may be required at an additional charge. The Smile Advantage Plan is a savings plan, not dental insurance. It cannot be combined with any other insurance and is valid only at our Edwardsville office; care from other providers and specialists is not included. Plan fees are subject to change. For complete details, see the Plan Agreement.
Become a Smile Advantage Member Today
One annual fee, no waiting period, and no claim forms. Your first cleaning can happen at your first visit.
Financing Options
Flexible Dental Financing That Fits Your Life
At Hite Family Dentistry, we offer flexible financing and in-house payment plans that make quality care easier to afford. You focus on your smile, and we’ll help take the stress out of paying for it.
Bite-sized payments, big smiles! Cherry Payment Plans offer easy-to-use financing options to make your dental care more accessible.
No credit score impact until you select a plan.
Streamline your dental care investment with Proceed Finance. Their flexible plans make achieving your smile goals easy and affordable.
No credit score impact until you select a plan.
Designed for everyday dental costs, with a quick check you can complete right at our front desk
No credit score impact until you select a plan.
CareCredit, a trusted healthcare financing option, offers convenient payment plans to fit your budget. Invest in your oral health with confidence.
No credit score impact until you select a plan.
Another route for spreading a larger treatment plan across fixed monthly payments over a longer term.
No credit score impact until you select a plan.
Get Pre-Qualified Today and Start Your Care With Confidence
Frequently asked questions
Digital Smile Design FAQs
It is normal to have questions before exploring cosmetic dentistry. Digital Smile Design lets you preview possible smile changes and discuss your goals with greater clarity. We explain what the process includes and invite you to reach out about anything not covered below.
What is Digital Smile Design?
Digital Smile Design creates a virtual preview of possible cosmetic dentistry results. Using digital scans, images, and videos, we can show how options such as veneers, whitening, bonding, or cosmetic restorations may affect your smile before you decide on a procedure.
How does Digital Smile Design work?
We review your dental profile, facial symmetry, and bone structure through digital records. The technology then creates a virtual mock-up of possible smile changes. You can view and discuss the preview with us, helping you compare cosmetic options before moving forward.
Am I a good candidate for Digital Smile Design?
A comprehensive consultation helps us determine whether Digital Smile Design fits your goals and dental health. We assess your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. Some people may need cavity care or gum care first, while others can begin cosmetic planning right away.
Which cosmetic procedures can Digital Smile Design preview?
Digital Smile Design may preview veneers, teeth whitening, tooth replacement, cosmetic restorations, dental bonding, or a smile makeover. The preview helps you consider how different options could work together. We will explain which choices suit your oral health and aesthetic goals.
Does Digital Smile Design consider my whole face?
Yes. Digital Smile Design looks beyond your teeth by considering facial symmetry, bone structure, and your dental profile. This broader view helps us plan a smile that relates to your facial features, rather than evaluating individual teeth in isolation.
How long does the Digital Smile Design process take?
The timeline depends on your consultation, the records needed, and the cosmetic procedures you choose. We begin by discussing your goals and reviewing your oral health. After the preview, we can outline the next steps for your personalized cosmetic plan.
How much does Digital Smile Design cost?
The cost depends on your consultation and the cosmetic procedures included in your plan. We explain the recommended care and available payment options before you proceed. Reach out to us with questions about planning your Digital Smile Design appointment.
What if I do not like the virtual smile preview?
That is an important part of the process. Digital Smile Design gives you an opportunity to discuss your concerns before cosmetic care begins. We can review other options, adjust the plan when appropriate, or explain why a specific approach may not fit your goals.
Can Digital Smile Design help if I feel nervous about cosmetic dentistry?
Many patients feel more comfortable when they know what to expect. Digital Smile Design offers a visual preview that can make conversations about cosmetic care clearer. We take time to answer questions, listen to your concerns, and help you feel informed without pressure.
Will my final smile look exactly like the Digital Smile Design preview?
The preview is designed to communicate what cosmetic care may look like, not to promise an identical result. Your final appearance depends on the procedures selected, your dental health, and how treatment progresses. We discuss realistic expectations before care begins.
Still Have Questions?
Can't find what you're looking for? Don't worry, we are here to help! Reach out to us and we would love to assist you personally.
Meet Our Doctors
Experienced Dentists Who Genuinely Love What They Do
At Hite Family Dentistry, we pair serious clinical skill with a warm, easygoing atmosphere. Our doctors focus on comfortable, patient-first care, with special attention to anyone who feels anxious about visiting the dentist.
DMD
Dr. Hite brings a hands-on, detail-focused approach shaped by his early years in dental lab work. With advanced training in implants, endodontics, and soft-tissue laser dentistry, he loves using technology like same-day crowns and 3D printing to help you eat comfortably and smile with confidence. He’s a perfectionist with a good sense of humor.
Practicing since 2005, Dr. Kniffin has a special heart for patients who’ve avoided the dentist for years. She takes real pride in helping anxious patients complete treatment comfortably, often using sedation to ease the process. Inspired by her mother’s long medical career, she’s driven daily by the difference she can make in your life.

A 2024 graduate of SIU School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Blickhan brings a well-rounded background in biological sciences to her care. Her greatest passion is helping patients move past dental anxiety, turning nervous first visits into genuine confidence. A natural problem-solver, she pays close attention to the details that make your experience better.
Ready to Meet Your Dentist?
Our team takes the time to listen, plan carefully, and treat you like family from day one.
Our Patients Say It Best
Real Smiles From People We Treat Like Family
You’ll find that our patients describe more than great dental work; they talk about feeling heard, welcomed, and cared for like family. Their words reflect the comfortable, judgment-free experience we work to create at every single visit.
staff is always professional and make me feel like part of the family. always a pleasure coming in for work.
Brian Kauhl
4 days ago
Very professional and a one stop shop for all of your needs! Cutting edge procedures and high tech and current equipment
Bill Davison
5 days ago
Very professional and clean! Everyone I encountered was personable!
Linda Curless
5 days ago
My hygienist, Michelle, was very friendly. Good conversation. No cavities or fillings need replacing!
Kevin Wiese
5 days ago
They did a wonderful job forming my gums and my mouth is healthier and I’m much happier. I will let buy anyone who has any denture needs or dental needs. Please come see them. They will take care of you.
James Webb
6 days ago
Michelle is the best hygienist on the planet!I can’t say enough good things about Michelle at Hite Family Dental. My cleaning was extremely thorough and honestly the most comfortable one I’ve ever had. My teeth have never felt so good!What really set Michelle apart was her knowledge. She took the time to explain everything she was looking for and why it mattered, so I left feeling informed instead of just rushed through. She made me feel completely at ease and clearly takes pride in her work.If you’re looking for a hygienist who is skilled, kind, and genuinely cares about your oral health, ask for Michelle. I wouldn’t trust my teeth to anyone else. Highly recommend!
Steve Anderson
7 days ago
Your Smile Could Be the Next Story We Share
Come Visit Us
Your Neighborhood Dental Home in Edwardsville
We’re conveniently located on Lewis Road in the heart of Edwardsville, just off Route 157 and easy to reach from home, work, or school. Whether you’re near SIUE, downtown, or the surrounding neighborhoods, you’ll find friendly, personalized care close by.
Find Us Easily and Plan Your Next Visit Today
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A clearer path to your smile
Your Smile Goals Can Feel Clearer with an Accurate Preview First
- Preview veneers before choosing your procedure
- A smile preview shaped by facial symmetry
- Compare bonding, veneers, and CEREC crowns virtually
