The concern we hear most in aesthetic dentistry is simple: “what if I do not like it?” It is a fair worry, because in the conventional sequence you only see the result once the work is finished — and by then the teeth have already been prepared. Digital smile design reverses that order.
Three records, one design
The process begins with three sets of records. First, a standard photographic series: portrait, close-up smile, profile and intraoral views. Second, video — a still photograph cannot show how the lip moves while you speak and smile. Third, a 3D intraoral scan, taken in a few minutes with a small camera instead of a tray and putty.
With that data in place the design starts. The reference is the face rather than the teeth: the pupil line, the facial midline, how much gum shows when you smile. Tooth form is chosen to suit the face, too — giving everyone the same white rectangle is the commonest cause of an artificial look.
The mock-up: a reversible stage
Once the design is approved on screen, temporary composite is applied in your mouth using a silicone key. Nothing has been done to your teeth at this point — the material sits on the surface and lifts away easily.
The mock-up can stay in place for a few days. You speak with it, eat with it, photograph it, show it to your family. Feedback such as “it feels a little long”, “make it rounder” or “the front two stand out too much” is all worked through at this stage.
Preparation follows the design
After approval, preparation is carried out through the approved form. In practice that means the design decides how much is reduced, not the clinician’s estimate. In some cases it becomes clear at this stage that no reduction is needed at all.
A mock-up is mandatory for veneer and smile design cases at our clinic. We do not treat it as an add-on but as an inseparable part of the treatment — because it is the only stage that removes the surprise.
The first assessment and consultation are free. If you are travelling from abroad, we can start with a preliminary review of your photographs and a video call.
