Smile design is the planning and application of a smile that suits your face structure, your gum line and your lip movements. How long it takes depends on which procedures are needed: only whitening and small adjustments may be required, or veneers, orthodontics or implants may also be part of the plan. That is why a clear duration is determined after the examination and digital planning.
What smile design is and which aesthetic goals it covers
Smile design is the personalized planning of the color, shape, length and alignment of the teeth so that they are in harmony with your face. The plan takes into account facial features, skin tone, the gum line and lip position.
Goals vary from person to person. Some patients only want to lighten the color of yellowed teeth, some want to correct the appearance of broken or worn teeth, and some want to balance the look of the gums. Smile aesthetics is not a single procedure, but a set of procedures put together according to these wishes. You can also find the general approach in our clinic on the Ankara smile design page.
The DSD (Digital Smile Design) process: photos, simulation, mock-up
DSD is a planning method that lets you see your new smile digitally before treatment begins. The process usually consists of three steps.
- Photos and measurements: Images taken of your face and smile are used to evaluate the relationship of the teeth with the face and the lips.
- Simulation: The possible tooth shape and length are drawn digitally on these images.
- Mock-up: The planned look is tried in your mouth with a temporary application. That way you can see and approve your new smile before treatment begins.
If you would like to read in detail about the role of digital tools in planning, you can look at our digital smile design article.
Applications frequently used in the procedures
There is no single method in smile design; depending on your plan, one or several of the following applications are used together.
- Bonding: Correcting small chips, gaps or shape irregularities with tooth-colored composite material. For details, you can look at our bonding application page.
- Veneers (lamina): Thin coverings bonded to the front surface of the teeth; E-Max veneers belong in this group.
- Teeth whitening: Done to lighten the color of the teeth. It is often considered as the first step for teeth stained by factors such as smoking, tea and coffee.
- Contouring (tooth shaping): Improving the balance of shape and length with slight adjustments on the tooth surface.
- Gum adjustment: If too much gum shows when smiling or the line is uneven, gum aesthetics applications can be added to the plan.
Which one suits you is decided at the examination, by looking at the condition of your teeth and gums.
Treatment duration and session planning: how package treatments work
The treatment duration depends on the number and type of the chosen procedures; so it would not be right to give a single duration valid for everyone. In general, the process moves forward in this order:
- Examination, the necessary X-ray or intraoral scan, and determining the needs
- DSD planning and approval of the smile with a mock-up
- If necessary, treating health problems such as gum disease, cavities or fillings first
- Application of the chosen aesthetic procedures
- Check-up and care recommendations
A package treatment means that these procedures are put in order within a single plan and divided into sessions. A limited plan such as only whitening and bonding may take less time; plans that include additional treatments such as orthodontics or implants take longer. The cost likewise varies with the number of procedures, the material used and the difficulty of the case; it becomes clear after a personalized plan is made.
Expected results, care and lifespan
Smile design offers a result that can be used for many years, but it requires care; that is, you should not expect a permanent result with no care at all. How long it lasts depends on the material used, your oral hygiene and your habits.
- Regular brushing, flossing and periodic check-ups help preserve the result.
- If you have a habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, protective measures may be needed.
- Smoking, tea and coffee can cause staining over time; if needed, whitening can be renewed.
- Applications such as fillings and bonding may need renewal or polishing over time.
When looking at photographed examples, it is more reliable to evaluate that person’s starting condition, which procedures were done and the harmony of the smile with the face together. Since every face and tooth structure is different, your result will not be exactly the same as an example.
Smile design in Çankaya and choosing a clinic
Panorama Ankara’s physical branch is in Çankaya; you can come for an examination for smile design planning in the area. When choosing a clinic, it is useful to look at whether the procedures are explained with a written and understandable plan after the examination, whether digital planning and mock-up options such as DSD are available, the knowledge of the dentists who will perform the treatment, and how the follow-up process is run. You can review our dentist team on the team page.
Frequently asked questions
How many sessions does smile design take to complete?
The number of sessions varies according to the planned procedures. Limited procedures such as whitening and bonding require fewer sessions, while plans that include veneers or additional treatments are spread over more sessions. The exact plan is explained to you after the examination and DSD planning.
How closely does a DSD simulation reflect the real result?
The DSD simulation and mock-up give you a concrete idea of how the result will look and let you give your approval before treatment begins. Still, the simulation is a preview; the final look may show small differences depending on the structure of your teeth and gums and on the application process.
In which cases are implants or orthodontics added to smile design?
Implants may be added to the plan if there are missing teeth, and orthodontics if the alignment or bite of the teeth prevents the aesthetic result. Your dentist makes this decision after the examination and imaging; for orthodontic options, you can look at our orthodontic treatment page.
If you would like to learn which procedures and how much time your own smile requires, you can get in touch with our clinic in Çankaya and book an examination appointment.
