What is smile design?
It is the planning of changes to your smile as a whole rather than tooth by tooth. The plan might include veneers, crowns, straightening, reshaping the gum line or whitening, in whatever combination your case actually needs.
The point of planning it as a whole is that the result looks coherent. Work added one tooth at a time can end up not quite matching.
What happens at the first appointment?
It starts with what you want changed, in your own words. Then the teeth and gums are examined, because any decay or gum problem has to be treated before cosmetic work, not covered over.
Photographs and scans are taken so the plan can be worked out properly afterwards. Bring photos of smiles you like if you have them. They help explain what you are after more than words do.
Will I see the result before anything is done?
You will see the proposed design first. That is the idea. A digital design shows the proposed changes, and where it is useful a mock-up can be placed over your own teeth so you can see it in your own face.
Treat the mock-up as a guide to shape and proportion, not a promise of the exact final result. It is the stage at which changes are easiest, so it is the time to speak up.
Does smile design always mean veneers?
No. Sometimes whitening and some reshaping are enough. Sometimes straightening first means fewer teeth need covering. If veneers or crowns are part of it, our guide on how veneers and crowns differ explains which suits which kind of tooth.
What should you leave the consultation knowing?
What is planned for each tooth and why, which steps cannot be undone, the order things will be done in, and roughly how many visits it involves. If any of that is unclear, ask before agreeing to start.
The planning appointment is the long one, so come unhurried. The clinic is in Rai Durg, on the Old Mumbai Highway.
Our smile design and makeover page covers what a plan can include and how treatment is sequenced.
Common questions
What is included in smile design?
It is a plan for your smile as a whole. Depending on the case it can combine veneers, crowns, straightening, gum reshaping and whitening, decided after an examination and records.
Can I see my new smile before treatment?
A digital design shows the proposed changes, and where useful a mock-up can be placed over your own teeth. It is a guide to the plan rather than a guarantee of the exact result.
Do I need healthy teeth for smile design?
Any decay or gum disease is treated first. Cosmetic work is not placed over untreated problems.
Is smile design only veneers?
No. Veneers are one option. Some plans need only whitening and reshaping, and some start with straightening.