What is it?
About the treatment
Smile Design, often referred to as Digital Smile Design (DSD), is a comprehensive approach to cosmetic dentistry that uses advanced digital tools to plan, preview, and execute a complete smile transformation. Rather than treating individual teeth in isolation, smile design considers the full picture: your facial symmetry, lip line, gum contour, skin tone, and even your personality to craft a result that looks naturally yours.
The concept was pioneered by Dr. Christian Coachman in the early 2010s and is now widely used in aesthetic dentistry worldwide. The process begins with high-resolution facial photographs, intraoral 3D scans, and sometimes video analysis of how your lips and teeth move when you speak and laugh. Specialised software then maps your dental proportions against established aesthetic principles like the golden ratio and facial thirds.
The main advantage of smile design is that you see a realistic simulation of the result before any treatment begins. Using CAD/CAM technology, your dentist creates a digital wax-up that can be turned into a physical mock-up. This is a temporary preview you wear over your existing teeth, so you can judge the result before you commit.
Smile design is not a single treatment. It is a personal plan that may combine several procedures: porcelain veneers, dental crowns, gum contouring, teeth whitening, orthodontic alignment, or even implants. The specific combination depends entirely on your starting point and your goals. Success rates for well-planned smile designs exceed 95%, with most patients reporting significant improvements in both self-confidence and quality of life.
At BestDent, we use current intraoral scanners and DSD software to ensure every case is planned with millimetre precision. Our cosmetic dentists have completed hundreds of full-arch smile makeovers. Digital planning and ceramic fabrication are done in-house, so treatment moves faster and nothing gets lost between stages.
Who is it for?
- Patients unhappy with the overall appearance of their smile who want a complete makeover
- Those with several cosmetic issues (uneven teeth, discolouration, gaps and chips) that need one plan
- Professionals and public-facing individuals who want a confident, camera-ready smile
- Patients with old dental work (crowns, veneers, or fillings) that looks unnatural or outdated
- Anyone with a gummy smile or uneven gum line who wants better proportions
- Patients who previously avoided treatment because they were unsure about the outcome
- People preparing for a major life event such as a wedding, career change, or public appearance
- International patients looking for a high-quality, comprehensive smile makeover abroad
- Those with worn, shortened teeth from grinding (bruxism) who want to restore youthful proportions
- Anyone who wants to see a realistic preview before committing to any irreversible treatment
Treatment Process
- 01
Comprehensive Consultation
Treatment begins with an in-depth discussion of your goals, concerns, and expectations. We perform a full oral health assessment including digital X-rays, periodontal evaluation, and bite analysis to ensure your teeth and gums are treatment-ready.
- 02
Digital Facial and Dental Analysis
We capture high-resolution facial photographs from multiple angles, record your dynamic smile on video, and take precise 3D intraoral scans. These are imported into our DSD software to analyse your dental proportions, midline alignment, and smile arc against your facial features.
- 03
Digital Design and Simulation
Using the collected data, your cosmetic dentist designs your new smile digitally, adjusting tooth shape, size, alignment, and colour. You review the simulation on screen and provide feedback, and we refine the design until you are completely satisfied with the projected result.
- 04
Mock-Up Trial
The digital design is translated into a physical mock-up made from temporary composite material, which is placed directly over your existing teeth. This lets you see, feel, and even photograph your future smile in real life before any permanent changes are made.
- 05
Tooth Preparation
Once you approve the design, your teeth are conservatively prepared according to the treatment plan. For veneers, this means minimal enamel reduction; for crowns, slightly more shaping. Temporary restorations protect your teeth while the final ceramics are crafted.
- 06
Laboratory Fabrication
Your approved design is sent digitally to our ceramics laboratory, where skilled technicians handcraft your porcelain restorations using premium materials. CAD/CAM technology ensures each piece matches the digital blueprint accurately.
- 07
Final Placement and Bonding
Your custom restorations are tried in, checked for fit and colour accuracy, and then permanently bonded using advanced adhesive protocols. We verify your bite alignment and make any final adjustments to ensure perfect comfort and function.
- 08
Follow-Up and Aftercare Guidance
We schedule a review appointment to confirm everything is settling well and provide detailed aftercare instructions. You receive a personalised maintenance plan including recommended cleaning tools, foods to be mindful of, and a schedule for periodic check-ups.
Benefits
- See a realistic 3D simulation of your new smile before any treatment starts, so there are no surprises
- Fully personalised to your facial structure, lip dynamics, and aesthetic preferences
- Combines multiple treatments into one coordinated plan for efficient, consistent results
- Digital precision ensures millimetre-accurate tooth proportions and symmetry
- Physical mock-up trial lets you test-drive your new smile in real life before committing
- Preserves as much natural tooth structure as possible through conservative planning
- Can boost self-confidence in social and professional life
- Long-lasting results: well-executed smile designs routinely last 10 to 20 years with proper care
- Streamlined treatment timeline, often completed within 5 to 10 days for international patients
- Clear communication between patient, dentist, and ceramist ensures predictable outcomes
Health Tourism
How Treatment Works
We stay in touch before, during and after your visit
- 011-2 days
Online Consultation
Send X-rays via WhatsApp. Free evaluation within 24 hours.
- 022-3 days
Treatment Plan
Detailed plan with transparent, all-inclusive pricing.
- 03Variable
Travel Planning
We assist with flights, visa letters, and hotels.
- 04Day 1
Arrival & Welcome
VIP airport transfer and hotel check-in.
- 053-7 days
Treatment Days
Treatment with our specialist team.
- 06Ongoing
Aftercare
Follow-up support from home via WhatsApp.
Dentists who provide this treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is included in a smile design treatment?
Smile design is a personalised plan, not a single procedure. Depending on your needs, it may include porcelain veneers, dental crowns, teeth whitening, gum contouring, or orthodontic alignment. Your dentist determines the ideal combination after the digital analysis and consultation.
How long does a full smile design take from start to finish?
For international patients visiting BestDent, most smile design cases are completed within 7 to 10 days across two visits. Straightforward veneer-only cases may take as few as 5 days. Complex cases involving gum surgery or implants may require a longer timeline with a follow-up trip.
Is smile design painful?
The treatment stages are performed under local anaesthesia, so you feel no pain during the procedures. Most patients report only mild sensitivity for the first few days after preparation, which resolves quickly with over-the-counter pain relief.
Can I see what my new smile will look like before treatment?
Yes. This is one of the main advantages of smile design. You will first see a digital simulation on screen, and then wear a physical mock-up in your mouth. You approve the design before any permanent changes are made to your teeth.
How long do smile design results last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, porcelain-based smile designs typically last 10 to 20 years. Avoiding habits like biting hard objects or grinding teeth without a night guard helps maximise longevity.
Is smile design suitable for everyone?
Most adults with generally healthy teeth and gums are good candidates. Conditions like active gum disease, severe decay, or uncontrolled grinding need to be addressed first. During your consultation, we will assess your suitability and recommend any preparatory treatments.
What is the difference between smile design and just getting veneers?
Veneers are one possible component of a smile design. The smile design process is the comprehensive digital planning stage that determines exactly which treatments you need, how your teeth should be shaped and proportioned, and how the final result will harmonise with your face. It ensures a cohesive outcome rather than an ad hoc approach.
Why do patients choose Turkey for smile design?
Turkey has become a leading destination for cosmetic dentistry due to the combination of highly trained specialists, modern technology, and significantly lower treatment costs compared to the UK, Germany, or the US. At BestDent, international patients can save substantially while receiving the same premium materials and digital protocols used in top European clinics.
How do I care for my new smile after treatment?
Maintain regular brushing and flossing, use a non-abrasive toothpaste, and attend dental check-ups every six months. If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a custom night guard is strongly recommended. Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packaging or bite very hard items.
Will my new teeth look natural or obviously fake?
Modern porcelain materials replicate the translucency, texture, and colour gradients of natural teeth closely. Because the design is based on your facial features and skin tone, the result looks like your own smile, not a one-size-fits-all Hollywood look.
