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A well-designed smile is not just about making teeth look whiter or straighter.

Digital Smile Design

It requires careful planning to ensure the final result suits your face, is comfortable to wear, and remains stable over time.

What is smile design?

Smile design is the process of planning how teeth will look, feel, and function before treatment begins. It considers tooth shape, length, position, and colour in relation to your lips, gums, bite, and facial features.

The aim is to create a result that looks natural and appropriate, rather than artificial or overdone.

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Who is Smile Design suitable for?

Smile design may be helpful if you:

  • Are considering veneers, bonding, or crowns on front teeth?
  • Have worn, uneven, or chipped teeth.
  • Are unhappy with the appearance of your smile?
  • Want to understand what is realistically achievable before treatment.

It is particularly important where aesthetic expectations are high, or treatment involves multiple teeth.

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About treatment

What does smile design involve?

Smile planning may include:

  • Discussion of your concerns and goals.
  • Clinical examination and bite assessment.
  • Photographs and digital scans.
  • Evaluation of tooth wear and gum position.
  • Planning tooth shape, length, and proportions.

In some cases, trial restorations or mock-ups may be used to help visualise the planned result before proceeding.

Harcourt Dental Clinic
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Key factors considered in planning

A good smile design balances:

  • Tooth proportions and symmetry.
  • Gum levels and smile line.
  • Lip position at rest and when smiling.
  • Bite function and tooth guidance.
  • Longevity and ease of maintenance.

Each of these factors influences how natural and comfortable the final result will be.

Benefits of careful planning

  • Predictable, natural-looking results.
  • Reduced risk of over-preparation.
  • Better long-term comfort and function.
  • Clear expectations before treatment begins.

Planning allows decisions to be made calmly and thoughtfully rather than during treatment.

Planning and responsibility of care

Smile design requires coordination between aesthetics and function. Your treating dentist will guide you through the planning process and explain the available options. Where treatment involves higher aesthetic demands, worn teeth, or changes to the bite, Dr Kevin Gilmore will be involved in reviewing and overseeing the planning to ensure that appearance, comfort, and long-term stability are considered together.

Patient takeaway

The best smiles are designed, not rushed. Careful planning helps ensure results that look natural, feel comfortable, and last well.

TREATMENT TESTIMONIALS

Our Smile Transformations

We’re proud to be a trusted part of our patients’ oral health journeys. Explore their testimonials to see how we’re creating positive dental experiences – one smile at a time.

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I required some extensive dental work, which I had been catastrophising in my head for some time now. Having finally plucked up the courage, I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been cared for so professionally & competently by Lorna…

Colin K

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I had a great experience with Lorna. She was very competent, gentle and took the time to explain everything clearly. I’d highly recommend Lorna to anyone who feels anxious about visiting the dentist!

Amy T

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I’ve been a patient at Harcourt Dental Clinic for about 5 years now, and I couldn’t be happier with the service I’ve received. From the friendly and welcoming staff to the professional and skilled dentists, every visit has been a…

Adrian V

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Martina is an excellent hygienist, professional, kind, and thorough. She made me feel completely at ease and did a fantastic job with my cleaning. I highly recommend her!

Ana R

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I would highly recommend this dental practice. They are very professional in every sense. Special shout-out for Cianna & Kevin, two highly skilled dentists.

Brian R

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I strongly recommend this dental practice. The reception staff are always friendly and polite. Dr Lorna Mahon and her assistant have been excellent in treating a quite difficult dental issue with great care and professionalism.

Matthew V

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Contact us today!

If you have a broken tooth or a cracked tooth, contact us for an assessment and a clear plan.

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