- Planning with photographs, video and digital design
- Preview with a temporary trial in the mouth (mock-up)
- Priority given to options that preserve tooth structure
- Surgical coordination if gum contouring or an implant is needed
In short: Smile design is a prosthodontic and aesthetic planning process in which teeth, gums and facial aesthetics are assessed together. Individual planning is carried out by examination.
What is it?
Smile design is not a single procedure but a planning method. The ideal proportions of the teeth (width-height, midline, relationship to the lip line, gum level) are determined on facial and intra-oral photographs, a smile video and a digital impression; the target shape is designed on the computer and seen in the mouth through a temporary trial. This trial makes sure, before treatment begins, that the result matches expectations, and if necessary the design is changed at that stage.
Which methods are used?
Composite bonding: For small fractures, gaps and colour corrections, composite material shaped on the tooth in the same session. It requires no or very little preparation; its lifespan is shorter than that of porcelain, and it is easy to repair.
Veneers (porcelain laminates): A porcelain layer 0.3–0.7 mm thick bonded to the front surface of the tooth. For colour, shape and mild alignment problems; very little tooth preparation is done, or in suitable cases none at all.
Zirconia / all-ceramic crowns: A restoration that encloses the whole tooth, for teeth with large fillings, root canal treatment, fractures or marked discolouration. Details: zirconia crowns.
Gum contouring: If the gum level is asymmetric or too much gum shows when smiling, tooth lengths are balanced by reshaping the gum.
Whitening and orthodontics: If the colour problem is on its own, whitening; in marked crowding and bite problems, orthodontics is considered before restoration. If teeth are missing, implant planning is coordinated with the surgical team.
Who is it considered for?
- Discoloured teeth that do not respond to whitening
- Teeth that are fractured, worn, short or small
- Gaps between teeth (diastema) and mild crowding
- Old fillings and crowns whose colour match has deteriorated
- Asymmetry in the gum level, a gummy smile
Gum disease and cavities are treated before an aesthetic procedure; for patients who clench, a night guard is planned to protect the restorations.
The process
- Examination and records: The teeth, gums and facial proportions are assessed; photographs, video, X-rays and a digital impression are taken.
- Digital design: The target shape is planned on the computer and reviewed together with the patient.
- Trial in the mouth (mock-up): The design is transferred onto the teeth with a temporary material; the shape and length are decided at this stage.
- Preparation and impression: If necessary, minimal preparation of the teeth, a digital impression, temporary restorations.
- Try-in and cementation: The restorations that come from the laboratory are tried for shade and fit; after approval they are bonded with an adhesive system. A bite and gum check follows after 1–2 weeks.
Care and lifespan
Porcelain restorations can be used for many years with regular care; their lifespan depends on oral hygiene, clenching habits and the bite. It is enough to avoid biting hard objects and not to skip the 6-monthly check-ups.
Visit plan for patients coming from abroad
Smile design with veneers and crowns is generally completed in a single visit of 7–10 days. For the preliminary assessment, a facial photograph taken while smiling, intra-oral photographs and a panoramic X-ray are requested; the definitive plan is confirmed after the examination at the clinic and the digital design.
Points to consider
- Tooth preparation for veneers and crowns is an irreversible procedure; this is why options without preparation and the mock-up stage are important.
- Aesthetic planning will not be long-lasting without gum health; if necessary, gum treatment is done first.
- Colour and shape expectations must be in harmony with the natural tooth structure and facial proportions; excessively white and flat surfaces spoil the natural look.
- For clenching and grinding habits, a night guard is planned to protect the restorations.
- Porcelain restorations can fracture or may need to be renewed over the years; regular check-ups are essential.
Frequently asked questions
What is smile design?
It is a personalised aesthetic planning process in which tooth and facial proportions are assessed together, and the target shape is seen in advance through a digital design and a temporary trial in the mouth.
Will my teeth be cut?
With bonding, generally no preparation is made. With veneers, preparation at the level of the enamel of 0.3–0.7 mm may be needed; in some cases they are placed without preparation. Crowns require more preparation and are generally preferred for teeth that are already damaged.
Can I see the result beforehand?
Yes; through the digital design and the temporary trial in the mouth (mock-up), the shape and length are seen before treatment begins and can be changed if necessary.
How many sessions does it take?
Bonding is completed in a single session. For veneers and crowns, generally 3–4 sessions — examination/design, preparation-impression and cementation; 7–10 days with the laboratory time.
Can it be done together with whitening?
Yes; the order matters. Whitening is done first, and the shade of the restorations is chosen 1–2 weeks after the colour has settled; porcelain and composite do not whiten afterwards.
Which dentist carries it out?
Planning and prosthodontic/aesthetic procedures are carried out by Aycan Işık Taş, DDS; if an implant for a missing tooth or gum surgery is needed, this is coordinated with Mehmet Taş, DDS, MSc.
Is smile design permanent?
It varies depending on the material used and on care; regular check-ups are necessary.
Does it cover gum aesthetics as well?
The gum level can be assessed as part of smile design.
The information on this site is for general guidance only; diagnosis and treatment require an examination by a dentist.