Tonie Lewis, DDS

General and cosmetic dentist Dr. Tonie Lewis was only eight years old when a car accident caused a broken jaw, forcing her to live with her mouth wired shut for weeks. Her parents took care of her, feeding her a liquid diet of pureed foods throughout the ordeal, but Dr. Lewis remembers that time in almost glowing terms today.

“Mostly, I had a wonderful experience with the providers in charge of putting me back together,” said the founder of Allen Smile Design. “Any question I had about any procedure, they were always willing to explain and make sure I knew the processes from an eight-year-old perspective.”

Today, Dr. Lewis hopes to comfort her own patients the way her doctors did for her, soothing them by demystifying dental care, whatever their age.

Education of a Leader

Dr. Lewis entered her adult life with a strong grounding in education. Valedictorian of her high school class, the determined young Mississippian went on to graduate with honors from the University of Southern Mississippi before attending Howard University’s College of Dentistry. Her time as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., shaped her approach to community involvement. Guided by the sisterhood’s mission to encourage high scholastic standards and be of Service to All Mankind, Dr. Lewis continues giving back today. She has sponsored programs for the Boys and Girls Club of America and participated on community outreach panels to encourage youth to pursue careers in healthcare. Each year, Allen Smile Design not only awards two deserving students with scholarships to further their undergraduate education but also sponsors young students in Belize who need help with school fees.

Comfort and the Crown

After graduating in 2004, Dr. Lewis made Houston her home until 2015, when she relocated to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Two years later, she opened the doors to Allen Smile Design. 

At Allen Smile Design, trust is the cornerstone of her patient rapport. Conservative treatment options help build trust, and Dr. Lewis aims to offer these routes to a winning smile for all who seek it. “Lots of issues, whether they’re TMJ, grinding habits, pain, or broken teeth, can be corrected if you correct the bite. Clear aligners straighten the teeth, so you may not need or want veneers anymore,” she said. 

After two decades in practice, empathy is also a forte for Dr. Lewis. “I love when we can change the mind of a patient. Though they may come in with apprehension, after a visit or two, we ease their mind and get them more comfortable with treatment,” she said. As someone who received the same kind of care, she wouldn’t have it any other way.