Smile design is a planned set of treatments to change the look of your teeth, such as their shape, colour or position. It starts with listening to what you would like to change.
At a glance
- What it involves
- A plan that can combine several treatments
- First step
- A consultation and a check of your teeth and gums
- Options
- Whitening, fillings and bonding, reshaping, veneers, crowns, braces or aligners
- Time
- Depends on the treatments chosen
- Cost
- Depends on the treatments chosen. Your dentist tells you before starting.
What smile design can include
- Whitening to lighten the colour of natural teeth. See our whitening page.
- Tooth-coloured fillings and bonding to repair chips or change the shape of a tooth.
- Reshaping, where a small amount of tooth is smoothed to change its shape or length.
- Veneers to cover the front of a tooth. See our veneers page.
- Crowns for teeth that are badly damaged or worn. See crowns and bridges.
- Braces or aligners to move teeth into a different position. See braces and aligners.
How the plan is made
- Listening. You tell the dentist what you would like to change and what worries you.
- Examination. The dentist checks your teeth, gums and bite. Decay and gum problems are dealt with first, because cosmetic treatment should only be done on healthy teeth.
- Options. The dentist explains what is possible and what is not, the steps involved and the cost.
- Treatment. Treatment is done in stages. You can stop and think between stages.
Things to know before you decide
- Some cosmetic treatments involve removing part of the tooth, and this cannot be undone.
- Results differ from person to person, and the dentist cannot promise how your teeth will look.
- Restorations such as veneers, bonding and crowns can chip or wear and may need repair or replacing.
- Good cleaning at home and regular check-ups help everything last.
When to get urgent help
Go to the nearest hospital straight away (or call 112) if you have swelling of the face or neck, swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, or a fever together with tooth or gum pain. Do not wait for an appointment.
Common questions
Do I need a plan for a small change?
Not always. A single change, such as whitening, can be simple. A plan is useful when you want to change several things or when treatments depend on each other.
Will my teeth be healthy enough?
The dentist checks this at the first visit. Decay and gum disease need treating before cosmetic work.
Can I see what it will look like first?
Your dentist can talk you through what is realistic and, where it is possible, show you examples of the technique. Ask about this at your consultation.
Is cosmetic treatment reversible?
Some parts, such as whitening, are less permanent. Others, such as veneers or crowns, involve removing tooth surface, which cannot be put back.
How much does it cost?
It depends on which treatments are chosen, so it can only be worked out after an examination. Dr. Anjali will explain the cost before starting.
Smile design at Gangtok Dental Clinic
Dr. Anjali Gupta sees patients at Gangtok Dental Clinic and has more than 6 years of experience in dentistry. At a first visit she will listen to what you would like and tell you what she thinks is realistic for your teeth. She will explain what she finds and go through your options and the cost with you, and nothing is started until you are ready to go ahead.
We are open every day from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Call or message us on WhatsApp at +91 82106 99271 to book a consultation. Our address is on the contact page.
This page gives general information about the treatment. It is not a diagnosis or medical advice, and what you need depends on an examination by your dentist. Please read our Medical Disclaimer.