Smile design is not the name of a single procedure. It means assessing the colour, shape, length and alignment of the teeth and the gum line as a whole and planning the necessary treatments together.
This page explains, for information purposes, how planning is carried out, which treatments it can include and what its limits are. The right plan for you can only be determined after an examination.
Which treatments can smile design include?
| Treatment | When it is considered |
|---|---|
| Teeth whitening | If discolouration is external and the tooth structure is suitable |
| Composite bonding | For small chips, gaps and irregularities in shape |
| Porcelain veneers | For discolouration that does not respond to whitening, or marked differences in shape |
| Zirconia crowns | If loss of structure is extensive or the tooth has had root canal treatment |
| Gum contouring | If the gum line is asymmetrical or the teeth look short |
| Orthodontics | If misalignment is better corrected by moving the teeth than by covering them |
| Implants | If a tooth is missing in the smile line |
The plan is always built starting from the least invasive option.
How is the plan made?
- Consultation. Expectations and the points that bother you are discussed.
- Examination. Decay, gum disease, the bite and any clenching habit are assessed; X-rays are taken if needed.
- Records. Facial and intraoral photos and impressions are taken.
- Digital design. A possible new shape and position of the teeth is modelled on a computer.
- Mock-up. In suitable cases, a trial made from a temporary material is placed in the mouth and assessed together.
- Treatment. The agreed treatments are carried out in sequence.
- Check-ups. Fit, bite and gum health are monitored at set intervals.
What are the limits of digital design?
Digital modelling is a preliminary assessment tool. It cannot be promised that the result in the mouth will be exactly the same, because several factors affect the final appearance:
- Gum health and how the gums heal
- The existing colour and translucency of the teeth
- The bite and chewing forces
- Lip movement and the smile line
- Oral hygiene habits
Who is it suitable for?
- People with healthy gums and no active decay
- Those whose expectations have been openly discussed during planning
- Those able to maintain daily oral hygiene
- Those who have completed any preliminary treatment considered necessary
When is it not suitable?
- Untreated decay or advanced gum disease
- Situations in which oral hygiene cannot be maintained
- Uncontrolled clenching and grinding
- Expectations that cannot be met by planning
Risks and points to consider
- The plan may include irreversible procedures (tooth reduction)
- Veneers and crowns can fracture, debond or develop decay at the margins
- The effect of whitening fades over time
- The gum level can change over time
- Results vary from person to person; no guarantee can be given
This list is not exhaustive. Your individual risks and alternatives are discussed during the examination and the informed consent process.
What should patients travelling from abroad consider?
Because smile design combines several treatments, its duration ranges from a few sessions to several months depending on the scope. Records, digital design and, where suitable, a mock-up come before any treatment, and preliminary treatment of decay or gum disease may be needed first. The plan is finalised only after an in-person examination and, where needed, X-rays.
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Number of visits | Depends on the treatments in the plan; from a few sessions to several months |
| Before treatment | Consultation, examination, records, digital design and mock-up |
| Before you travel | Recent X-rays, photos and dental records can be shared in advance |
| Decision | The plan is confirmed only after examination |
| Back home | Regular check-ups can continue with a local dentist |
About treatment fees
This page does not include fee information. Smile design is a plan whose scope varies greatly from person to person; fees can only be discussed after an examination, once it has been decided which treatments will be carried out.
