What it is
Smile designing is a planning process rather than a single procedure. Photographs, measurements and sometimes a digital or wax mock-up are used to agree what will change, before any irreversible work begins. The plan may combine whitening, alignment, bonding, veneers or crowns.
Who it may suit
- Chipped, worn or uneven front teeth
- Gaps or crowding affecting the appearance of the smile
- Old front restorations that no longer match
- Someone wanting to understand options before committing
Signs you may need it
- You avoid smiling fully in photographs
- Front teeth have worn unevenly over time
- Existing veneers or crowns look different from the natural teeth
How the treatment works
- 1
Consultation
Discussion of what you would like to change, alongside a full dental examination.
- 2
Records
Photographs, scans or impressions and any needed X-rays.
- 3
Plan and preview
Options are presented, often with a mock-up so you can see a proposed shape before treatment.
- 4
Health first
Any decay, gum disease or bite problems are treated before cosmetic work.
- 5
Treatment and review
The agreed treatments are carried out in sequence and reviewed together.
Visits and recovery
The number of visits depends entirely on which treatments the plan includes. Planning appointments come first and no irreversible work is started until the plan is agreed.
Benefits
- You see and agree a plan before treatment begins
- Health problems are addressed before cosmetic changes
- Treatments are sequenced rather than done piecemeal
Limitations
- Mock-ups are a guide, not an exact prediction
- Some changes involve permanently reshaping tooth structure
- Not every desired change is achievable without orthodontics or surgery
Risks to be aware of
Every dental procedure carries some risk. Your dentist will discuss these with you in person, based on your own examination and X-rays.
- Sensitivity after tooth preparation
- Veneers and crowns can chip and eventually need replacing
- Ongoing maintenance is required to keep the result healthy
Aftercare
- Avoid biting hard objects with restored front teeth
- Wear a night guard if one has been advised
- Maintain daily cleaning between teeth
- Attend review appointments as scheduled
When to contact the clinic
- A restoration chips, feels rough or comes loose
- The bite feels different after treatment
