Smile design is a planning process that looks at the colour, length, shape and alignment of the teeth together with the rest of the face. It is not a single procedure: depending on the structure of your mouth, it may combine methods ranging from whitening and composite bonding to porcelain veneers and gum contouring. On this page you will find what the analysis looks at, how the plan is built, and which method is considered in which situation.
What does smile design aim to achieve?
The aim is not to give everyone the same set of bright, straight teeth. It is a smile that suits the individual face and can stay healthy for many years. Whether a tooth looks attractive does not depend only on its own colour and shape. The movement of the lips, how much gum shows, the proportions of the teeth to one another and the midline of the face all work as a whole. For this reason, the first question in smile design is not "which veneer?" but "where is the real imbalance in this smile?"
For some people the only issue is colour, and whitening may be enough. For others the teeth are healthy but crowded; in that case orthodontics is usually a more conservative route than covering the teeth. In others, an uneven gum line makes the teeth look short. An accurate diagnosis prevents unnecessary removal of healthy tooth structure.
Digital smile analysis: what is assessed?
The analysis begins with photographs of the face and the inside of the mouth, and short videos when needed. Photographs are taken at rest, while speaking and during a broad smile, because the amount of tooth that shows is different in each of these three situations. This is followed by a clinical examination and any necessary X-rays to assess the teeth, gums and bone. Digital planning is built on this information.
Facial midline
The vertical line running from the forehead through the tip of the nose to the chin is compared with the line between the two upper front teeth. Small deviations go unnoticed in most people. A marked shift, or front teeth that tilt to one side, can give the smile a lopsided look. When a midline shift is caused by the position of the teeth, the answer is often to move the teeth rather than to cover them.
Lip line and smile curve
When you smile, the curve formed by the biting edges of the upper teeth ideally follows the curve of the lower lip. If this curve is flat or reversed, the smile can look older or harsher. The amount of tooth visible below the upper lip at rest is also measured; this amount usually decreases with age. Whether the lip line is high, average or low determines which teeth, and how much gum, need to be included in the plan.
Gum level
The amount of gum visible when smiling, the symmetry of the gum margins and the health of the gums are all assessed. If the gum sits lower on one tooth, that tooth will look shorter than its neighbour. In people with a noticeable "gummy smile", it is important to identify whether the cause is excess gum tissue, lip movement or jaw structure, because each is managed differently. Any gum inflammation is treated before cosmetic work begins.
Proportions
The width-to-length ratio of the upper front teeth, the gradual reduction in visible width towards the side teeth, the gaps between teeth and the level of the biting edges are measured. The dental literature describes certain ratio ranges for front teeth, but these are starting points rather than fixed rules. A person with a long, narrow face and a person with a broad face will not achieve the same harmony with the same tooth shape.
Planning and the mock-up stage
After the analysis, the dentist works out the proposed tooth shapes and sizes on the photographs digitally. An impression or intraoral scan is then used to make a model, and the planned shape is built up on this model in wax or digitally. Using this model, a temporary material can be placed over the teeth in the mouth. This is called a mock-up or trial smile.
The value of a mock-up is that you see the plan on your own face rather than on a screen. You can check how your speech sounds, how your lips are supported and how long the teeth look, both in the mirror and in everyday expressions. At this stage, changes such as "a little shorter" or "softer corners" are easy to make. In most cases the mock-up is placed without any drilling of the teeth and can be removed afterwards.
Alongside cosmetic wishes, the plan also has to account for the bite. How the upper and lower teeth meet, and whether you clench or grind your teeth at night, directly affects how long any restoration will last. In someone who clenches, a thin and fragile restoration may look good at first but cause problems in the long run.
Methods that may be used
The methods used in smile design can be ranked from least to most invasive according to how much tooth structure is removed. The general principle is to start with the most conservative method that can deliver the result.
Teeth whitening
When the teeth are healthy, their shape and alignment are acceptable and the only concern is colour, whitening is usually the first option to consider. Whitening acts on natural tooth tissue; it does not change the colour of fillings, crowns or veneers. For this reason, when veneers or bonding are planned for the front teeth, whitening is usually done first and the colour of the restorations is then matched to the new tooth shade. You can find more detail on the teeth whitening page.
Composite bonding
Bonding involves applying a tooth-coloured, resin-based material to the tooth in layers and shaping it by hand. It suits small chips, small gaps between teeth, minor irregularities in shape and worn edges. In most cases no drilling, or very little, is needed and the work can often be completed in a single visit. On the other hand, composite can pick up stains over time and lose its surface shine compared with porcelain; periodic polishing and renewal over the years may be needed. It is easy to repair, and a small chip can usually be fixed directly in the mouth.
Porcelain veneers
Veneers are thin ceramic shells bonded to the front surface of the teeth. They are used when a clear change in colour, shape and length is wanted and the teeth are already reasonably well aligned. Porcelain has high colour stability and lets light through in a way similar to natural enamel. Placing veneers usually requires removing a thin layer of enamel from the front of the tooth; in some cases this amount is very small, in others it is greater. Once enamel has been removed, the procedure is regarded as irreversible: even if the veneer is replaced in future, that tooth will always need a restoration. This is why the decision to have veneers should only be made after alternatives such as orthodontics have been discussed.
Zirconia crowns
Zirconia is used as a crown that covers all surfaces of the tooth. It makes sense for teeth with large fillings, root-filled teeth, and teeth that are cracked or structurally weakened, in other words where the tooth itself needs protection. Placing a zirconia crown on a sound tooth simply to change its colour or shape means removing far more tooth structure than a veneer or bonding would. For this reason, zirconia is often one part of a smile design plan rather than the whole of it. More information is available on the zirconia crowns page.
Gum contouring
Gum contouring is a periodontal procedure used to even out differences in the level of the gum margins, or to remove excess gum that makes the teeth look short. In some cases only the soft gum tissue is reshaped; in others the underlying bone level also has to be adjusted. Getting the amount right matters, because the natural distance between the gum and the bone needs to be preserved. Gum contouring is usually carried out before any restorations, and a few weeks are allowed for healing.
Orthodontic preparation
Trying to create a "straight look" with veneers or crowns on crowded, rotated, or forward- or backward-tilted teeth can mean removing a lot of tooth structure. Moving the teeth into the correct position with orthodontic treatment first, and then adding small touches with bonding or thin veneers if still needed, is in most cases the more conservative path. Sometimes no restoration is needed at all after orthodontics. You can read about the options on the orthodontic treatment and clear aligner treatment pages. At our polyclinic, Specialist Orthodontist Dr. Zeynep Yetkin assesses tooth alignment from this perspective during smile planning.
Comparison of methods
| Method | Suitable for | Tooth structure removed | Typical process | Points to consider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whitening | Colour concerns on healthy teeth | None | One or more clinic sessions, or a few weeks at home | Fillings and crowns do not change colour; temporary sensitivity is possible |
| Composite bonding | Small chips, gaps, minor shape irregularities | None or very little | Often a single visit | May stain over time; maintenance and renewal may be needed |
| Porcelain veneers | Clear change in colour and shape, well-aligned teeth | Small (thin layer of enamel) | Usually two or more visits | Regarded as irreversible; risk of fracture with clenching |
| Zirconia crown | Weakened, heavily filled or root-filled teeth | More (all around the tooth) | Usually two or more visits | Should not be chosen for a sound tooth purely for looks |
| Gum contouring | Uneven gum levels, teeth that look short | Treats the gum, not the tooth | One session plus a few weeks of healing | Bone level also needs assessing |
| Orthodontics | Crowding, gaps, midline shift | None | May take months; varies from person to person | A retainer is needed after treatment |
The durations in the table are general ranges. The actual time and number of visits vary from person to person depending on how many teeth are involved, whether preparatory treatment is needed and how quickly the tissues heal.
The treatment process step by step
- Examination and health assessment: Decay, old fillings, gum disease, bone condition and the bite are checked. A cosmetic plan can only be built on a healthy foundation.
- Photographs, video and impressions: Records of the face and mouth are taken and a model is prepared.
- Digital analysis and planning: The midline, lip line, gum level and proportions are assessed and the treatment options are set out.
- Mock-up trial: The proposed shape is tried in the mouth with a temporary material and adjusted with your input.
- Preparatory treatment: If needed, fillings, gum treatment, orthodontics and whitening are carried out at this stage.
- Definitive treatment: Bonding, veneers, crowns or gum contouring are carried out in the order set in the plan.
- Review and protection: The bite is checked; if you clench your teeth, a night guard may be recommended.
The time from the first examination to the final restorations can be a few days for someone who only needs bonding, but may stretch over months when the plan includes orthodontics. Because treatment planning requires an in-person examination, and multi-stage plans involve several appointments, please bear in mind that you will need to be available for follow-up visits in Ankara.
Who is it not suitable for, or when should it be postponed?
- People with untreated gum disease: Restorations placed on bleeding, receding or inflamed gums tend to have poorer margins and a shorter lifespan.
- People with active tooth decay: Decay needs to be treated first.
- People with severe, uncontrolled clenching or grinding: The risk of chipping and debonding increases with thin ceramic restorations.
- People with marked crowding who want to hide it with veneers alone: This can mean significant loss of tooth structure; orthodontics should be discussed first.
- Teenagers whose jaw growth is not yet complete: Permanent restorations are usually postponed, and an orthodontic assessment takes priority in this age group.
- People with unrealistic expectations: Smile design does not change the structure of the face; it works within the limits of the relationship between teeth, gums and lips.
Possible risks and side effects
Temporary sensitivity is common after whitening. After veneers and crowns, sensitivity following preparation can occur and, rarely, the nerve may be affected and root canal treatment may be needed. Ceramic restorations can crack or come off when biting hard objects or with clenching. Over time the edges of restorations may stain, or gum recession may make a margin visible. Staining and wear are expected with composite. Most of these risks can be reduced by starting from a healthy foundation, choosing the right material and attending regular check-ups. Results vary between individuals.
Aftercare
Restorations are brushed and cleaned between the teeth just like natural teeth. Cleaning between the teeth is especially important, because plaque that builds up at the edge of a restoration can cause both decay and gum inflammation. It is advisable to avoid habits such as biting pens, ice or seeds with your front teeth, or using your teeth to open packets. With composite work, frequent coffee, tea and smoking speed up staining. At check-ups every six months, or at the interval your dentist recommends, the margins of the restorations, the gums and the bite are reviewed.
Common mistakes
- Starting with the method: Clarifying what the actual problem is, rather than saying "I want veneers", leads to a more accurate plan.
- Leaving whitening until later: Whitening done after restorations are placed can create a colour mismatch between natural teeth and the restorations.
- Choosing an overly white shade: A colour that does not suit the face, skin tone and age can look artificial.
- Ignoring the bite: Teeth shaped only for appearance may take excessive load during chewing.
- Skipping check-ups: A small problem at the edge of a restoration can be corrected simply when it is spotted early.
Smile design assessment in Ankara
Yetkindent is an oral and dental health polyclinic located in YDA Center on Dumlupınar Boulevard (Eskişehir Road) in Çankaya, Ankara, close to Çukurambar and Söğütözü. In smile planning, cosmetic dentistry, gum health and orthodontics are considered together, so that colour, gums and alignment are handled within the same plan. If there is decay or a problem with old fillings, this is addressed first with dental filling treatment. For an examination and assessment, you can reach the polyclinic through the contact page, by phone on +90 501 101 17 17 or by email at yetkindent@gmail.com. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 09:00 to 19:00; the polyclinic is closed on Sundays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do my teeth have to be filed down for smile design?
No, not every plan requires removing tooth structure. Whitening, bonding, orthodontics and gum contouring can be carried out without taking anything away from the teeth. Veneers usually require a thin enamel preparation, and zirconia crowns require more. Which method is needed is decided through examination and analysis.
Will the final result look exactly like the mock-up?
The mock-up shows how the planned shape and length sit on your face. Because the colour, surface shine and translucency of permanent restorations differ from the temporary material, the result will not be identical, but the mock-up makes decisions about shape and proportion much easier.
Veneers or bonding: which is right for me?
Bonding may be preferred for small corrections, when you want to avoid drilling the teeth, or when budget or time is limited. Veneers may be considered when a clear change in colour and shape and long-term colour stability are wanted. The two methods differ in maintenance needs and lifespan; the choice depends on your tooth structure and expectations.
How long does smile design take?
If only bonding is planned, a single visit may be enough. Plans that include veneers or crowns usually need several visits. If orthodontics or gum treatment is needed as preparation, the process can extend over months.
Will the colour of my restorations change?
Porcelain and zirconia are colour-stable, while composite can pick up stains over time. Restorations do not lighten with whitening, so if you want a different shade in future, the restoration may need to be replaced.
Can I have smile design if I clench my teeth?
Clenching is taken into account during planning. The material and its thickness are chosen accordingly, and a night guard may be recommended after treatment. With severe clenching that is not under control, thin ceramic restorations may be postponed.
This content is for information only and does not replace an examination or diagnosis. The treatment that suits you is decided together with your dentist after a clinical examination and any necessary tests.