Smile Design: Process and Treatment Options

Published: Last updated:
This content was prepared by the dentists of Özel Serdent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic. Our dentists
By /

Smile design is the name given to the planning process in which the appearance of the teeth, the gum line and the proportions of the smile are evaluated together, and restorative and, where required, orthodontic procedures are combined within a single treatment plan. It is not a single procedure but a plan made up of several treatments. Which procedures the plan will contain is determined by the dentist after an intraoral examination and, where considered necessary, radiographic evaluation.

What smile design covers

During smile analysis the shape, length, colour and alignment of the teeth, the position of the gum line, the midline of the face and the relationship of the lips to the teeth while smiling are examined. Depending on the findings, the plan may include composite or porcelain restorations, laminate veneers or zirconia crowns, gum treatment, orthodontic treatment or, in cases of missing teeth, implant treatment.

Findings evaluated before treatment

Aesthetic planning is only started once oral health has been brought into a suitable condition. The following are generally examined:

  • Gum health and, where present, gingival inflammation or recession
  • Decay, existing restorations and teeth that have undergone root canal treatment
  • The bite relationship and any clenching (bruxism) habit
  • Missing teeth and the condition of the supporting bone
  • Oral hygiene habits and the patient’s expectations regarding follow-up

How the process proceeds

  1. Patient record, intraoral examination and, where considered necessary, radiographic evaluation
  2. Photographic and, if required, digital smile analysis
  3. Sharing the treatment options, the number of sessions and the stages with the patient
  4. Treatment of gum health and decay where necessary
  5. Shade selection and preparation of the teeth in line with the plan
  6. Trial stage and final placement of the restorations
  7. Follow-up appointments and review of oral hygiene habits

After treatment

Brushing twice a day, cleaning the interdental areas and attending the check-up appointments set by the dentist are recommended after the restorations are placed. Biting hard objects and using the teeth to open packaging may damage the restorations. Where clenching is present, the dentist may recommend a night guard.

Why gum health is assessed first

The outline of the gum frames every restoration, so its condition is reviewed before any aesthetic decision is made. Bleeding, inflammation or an uneven gum line is addressed first, because a restoration placed against inflamed tissue is difficult to keep clean and the visible margin can change as the tissue settles. In some cases gum contouring forms part of the plan rather than a separate treatment.

Digital planning and mock-ups

Photographs, impressions and intraoral records are used to prepare the plan, which may be carried out digitally or on a wax model. The purpose is to see the proposed tooth form and proportions before any irreversible step is taken. Where the plan allows, a temporary version can be tried in the mouth so that speech, lip support and the way the teeth show during a smile can be assessed.

What is reversible and what is not

Not every procedure is reversible. Some options require removing a defined amount of enamel, and that part cannot be undone; laminate veneers and zirconia crowns fall into this group. Others, such as shade change or orthodontic alignment, do not involve removing tooth structure. Understanding which category each step belongs to is part of the planning conversation, and the dentist explains what each option requires before treatment begins.

How shade and tooth form are decided

Shade is assessed against the surrounding teeth and, where possible, under more than one light source. Tooth form is related to face shape, lip line and the position of the midline. If a shade change is planned for the remaining natural teeth, it is generally carried out before the final shade of any restoration is selected, because restorative materials do not respond to whitening agents.

Habits that affect the outcome

A grinding or clenching habit places load on the restored surfaces and is recorded during planning; a night guard may be considered. Intensely coloured drinks and smoking affect the natural teeth and the margin where a restoration meets the gum. Daily interdental cleaning matters more after treatment rather than less, because those margins are where plaque collects.

Planning for patients travelling from abroad

A smile design plan can involve several stages and, where orthodontic treatment forms part of it, a longer overall period. The planning stage and the treatment stage are not always in the same visit. Please contact the clinic in advance so that the number of visits and the time required can be discussed before travel arrangements are made.

Frequently asked questions

How long does smile design take

The duration depends on which procedures are included in the plan and on the number of teeth involved. The schedule is shared with the patient after the examination.

Is every patient suitable for the same plan

No. Planning is specific to the individual and is shaped by the examination findings, the bite relationship and the condition of the gums.

CONTACT

If you have a question about this subject, you can reach our clinic.

Does smile design require tooth reduction

Whether reduction is needed depends on the procedures included in the plan. Some plans are completed with orthodontic treatment and gum arrangement only.

The information on this page is for general information purposes only and does not replace an examination by a dentist. Diagnosis and treatment planning are carried out by the dentist following an intraoral examination and, where considered necessary, radiographic evaluation.

Related content

CONTACT

You can reach our clinic for information and appointments.

Serdent Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı Polikliniği

Yenibağlar Mah. Fabrikalar Sok. No: 12/A, Tepebaşı / Eskişehir

Every day 09:30 – 20:30

More questions patients ask

What is smile design?
Smile design is a planning process in which the shape, colour and alignment of the teeth, the appearance of the gums and the facial features are assessed together. It is not a single procedure but a treatment plan prepared according to the condition of the patient.
Which procedures may be included in smile design?
Depending on the plan, porcelain laminate veneers, zirconia crowns, gum contouring, orthodontic treatment, root canal treatment or implants for missing teeth may be included. Which procedures are applied is determined after the examination.
What happens during smile design planning?
The steps include an intraoral examination, radiographic imaging where required, photographs and impressions, and a discussion of what the patient expects. The dentist prepares a treatment plan based on this information.
What care is needed after smile design?
Regular brushing and interdental cleaning are recommended, the teeth should not be strained with very hard foods, any clenching or grinding habit should be reported to the dentist, and the recommended follow up appointments should be attended.
What is assessed before treatment?
Gum health, decay and existing fillings, the bite relationship and bone structure are examined. Existing problems may need to be treated first.
Is any part of the treatment irreversible?
Some procedures require removing a small amount of tooth structure, and that part cannot be undone. Discussing the options in detail at the planning stage is therefore important.
Scroll to Top