Smile Desing
Where health meets artistry — personalized smile transformations that reflect who you truly are.
More than cosmetic dentistry
Smile design is a thoughtful, personalized approach to creating a smile that enhances your natural beauty and boosts your confidence. It's not about perfection — it's about creating harmony between your smile, your facial features, and your personality.
We combine clinical expertise with an artist's eye to design smiles that look natural, feel comfortable, and transform how you see yourself.
What Smile Design Can Include
Porcelain veneers for shape, color, and symmetry
Composit Veneers
Clear aligners for gentle straightening
Teeth whitening for a brighter, fresher look
Bonding and contouring for subtle refinements
Complete smile redesign combining multiple approaches
How It Transforms Your Life
Smile freely without feeling self-conscious
Feel more confident in social and professional settings
Achieve facial harmony and balanced aesthetics
Improve oral health alongside appearance
Our Process
01
Phase 1 - Discovery
A comprehensive evaluation and honest conversation about your goals & digital records.
02
Phase 2 - Design
A personalized treatment plan that maps out your ideal smile.
03
Phase 3 - Mockup & Try-in
A 3D printed shell of your personalized design allow to preview your future smile.
04
Phase 4 - Preparation
Once you have approved your design, we start the minimally invasive veneer process, preserving as much natural structure as possible.
05
Phase 5 - Temporaries
As the lab is fabricating your customized smile, you get to go home with a set of beautiful temporaries.
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Phase 3 - Transformation & Delivery
We bring your new smile to life. A new beginning starts.
MEET YOUR SMILE DESIGN DOCTOR
Dr. Escalante
Dr. Dr. Escalante loves creating new smiles and restoring happiness and confidence to his patients; his exceptional abilities help each patient feel amazing, comfortable, and proud of their renewed smile again. believes dentistry should feel human, honest, and deeply personal. She doesn't believe in one-size-fits-all treatment plans or rushed appointments.
My greatest reward? When a patient says, "Doctor, you changed my life."
His philosophy simple: build trust first. Everything else follows.
Dr. Maria Teresa Cook
Dr. Maria Teresa Cook brings more than three decades of experience, international training, and a deep commitment to patient care to Mount Zion Dental.
Born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, Dr. Cook graduated with honors from the prestigious Universidad El Bosque School of Dentistry in 1992. During her early training she completed clinical internships at several leading medical institutions, including the National Neurological Institute, Children’s Cardiology Institute, San José Hospital, and the National Oncology Institute, where she developed a strong foundation in complex patient care.
After several years practicing dentistry in Colombia, Dr. Cook moved to the United States to continue advancing her career. She earned her U.S. dental license from Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in 2004, allowing her to bring her international expertise to patients in the United States.
For more than 20 years, Dr. Cook has practiced dentistry throughout South Florida, focusing on comprehensive care and advanced restorative treatments. Her clinical expertise includes cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, crowns, veneers, and root canal therapy, helping patients restore both the health and beauty of their smiles.
Over the last five years, Dr. Cook has worked alongside a leading implant specialist at the Center for Dental Implants in Aventura, where she further expanded her expertise in implant restorations and bone graft procedures. This advanced training allows her to provide patients with modern, predictable solutions for replacing missing teeth and restoring full oral function.
Dr. Cook is deeply committed to lifelong learning and regularly participates in advanced continuing education to stay at the forefront of dental technology and treatment techniques. She believes dentistry is not just about treating teeth — it’s about improving confidence, health, and quality of life for every patient she serves.
Outside the office, Dr. Cook dedicates time to her faith, community involvement, and continued professional development. She is fluent in English and Spanish, allowing her to serve South Florida’s diverse community with clarity and compassion.
Professional Affiliations
American Dental Association - ADA
South Florida Dental Association - SFDA
Worldwide Association of Female Professionals
Luisiana State University
Universidad El Bosque School of Dentistry
COMMON QUESTIONS
We're happy to answer.
Am I a Candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry?
You may benefit from cosmetic dentistry if you experience:
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Gaps or uneven spacing
- Tooth discoloration or staining
- Irregularly shaped teeth
- Mild to moderate misalignment
If any of these concerns apply to you, a consultation with our cosmetic dental team can determine the best treatment options for your needs.
What's the difference between cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry?
A general dentist is your primary dental care provider, offering various essential services. These include preventive care, professional teeth cleanings, and restorative treatments like dental fillings, crowns, and bridges. While these procedures focus on enhancing oral health and restoring functionality, the expertise of a cosmetic dentist lies in elevating the aesthetic appeal of your smile. Specializing in treatments tailored to improve the appearance of your teeth and gums, a cosmetic dentist focuses on beautifying your smile through various advanced procedures.
What is the recovery time of cosmetic dentistry procedures?
The recovery time for cosmetic dentistry procedures varies depending on the treatment performed. While some treatments, such as teeth whitening and dental bonding, require little to no downtime, others, like veneers or crowns, may involve a brief adjustment period. More advanced procedures, such as dental implants or gum contouring, typically require a longer healing process to ensure optimal results. Although cosmetic dentistry primarily enhances the appearance of your smile, many treatments also contribute to overall dental health. By following your dentist’s post-procedure care instructions, you can promote a smooth recovery and achieve the best possible outcome
Is cosmetic dentistry the same as restorative dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry share some similarities but serve different primary purposes. Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing and restoring the function of damaged, decayed, or missing teeth using treatments such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and dental implants. The goal is to improve oral health, bite function, and overall dental stability.
On the other hand, cosmetic dentistry is primarily concerned with enhancing the appearance of the smile. Procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, and gum contouring aim to improve the color, shape, and alignment of teeth for a more aesthetically pleasing look.
While some treatments, such as dental implants and crowns, can overlap between both fields, restorative dentistry prioritizes function, while cosmetic dentistry emphasizes aesthetics. Many modern procedures now combine both aspects, offering patients solutions that improve both the beauty and health of their smiles.
Why choose Mount Zion Dental as my preferred dental office?
We're the Dentist families stay with for years...
Honest treatment planning
Comprehensive exams
Focus on patient priorities
Life-changing smile transformations
Dentistry designed for people who thought they’d never love going to the dentist.
What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of teeth to enhance their appearance. Made from porcelain or composite resin, veneers correct imperfections such as chips, gaps, stains, and misshapen teeth. This minimally invasive procedure provides a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for a radiant smile.
Mount Zion Dental
A different kind of dental experience. Calm, honest, and centered around your comfort and confidence.
Our Office
16100 NE 16th Ave. Suite B
North Miami Beach, FL 33162
(305) 330.9330
Hablamos Español | We speak English
Quick Links
We accept insurances
Medicaid, Healthy Kids, PPO
Contact
Monday -Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesdays: Private appointment only
Saturday: 8:30am - 1:00pm
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"After years of hiding my smile, Dr. Cook helped me understand my options without any pressure. The transformation was incredible — I feel like a new person."
David K.
Smile Design Patient
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"The first time I walked in, I felt like I was at a spa, not a dental office. That sense of calm carried through the entire treatment. I've never experienced anything like it."
Jennifer T.
Clear Aligners Patient
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"Dr. Cook took the time to explain everything and made sure I was comfortable at every step. Her honesty and warmth make all the difference. I trust her completely."
Michael S.
Full Arch Patient
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"I was terrified of dental implants, but Dr. Cook's calm, reassuring manner made the whole process so much easier than I expected. The results are life-changing."
Patricia W.
Dental Implants Patient
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"We've been bringing our whole family here for three years now. The kids ask when they get to go back. That says everything you need to know about this practice."