Smile design is not a single procedure; it is the combined planning of tooth shape, colour and alignment in relation to the lips, gums and facial features. “Digital” means the result can be seen before treatment begins.
How the process works
1. Analysis
Facial and smile photographs, an intraoral scan and X-rays where needed. Midline, lip line, gum level and tooth proportions are assessed.
2. Digital design
The new smile is modelled and shown to you; shape and colour are decided together.
3. Mock-up
The design is applied temporarily to your teeth. You see, speak and smile with the new look without any tooth being reduced — the critical step that removes surprises.
4. Application
The approved design is made permanent.
Methods used
- Whitening — often sufficient alone when only colour is the issue.
- Composite bonding — for small chips, gaps and shape irregularities; no reduction, single visit.
- Porcelain laminate veneers — thin porcelain bonded to the front surface with minimal reduction.
- Zirconium crowns — where structure loss is significant or the tooth is root-treated.
- Gum contouring — for a “gummy smile”.
- Orthodontics — with crowding, aligning first is often more conservative than crowning.
When it is not suitable
Aesthetic work does not start while untreated decay, active gum disease or uncontrolled grinding is present. These are resolved first, otherwise restorations fail early.
Duration
Bonding-only changes can be completed in a single visit. Plans involving veneers or crowns usually take 2–4 visits over 1–3 weeks. Orthodontics extends this according to the plan.