Smile Design

You know what is making you unhappy with your smile. We know what we can do to change that. At the first consultation we’ll ask the right questions and listen to your answers. We want to find out what YOU want and give you the options for creating the smile of your dreams.

Cosmetic imaging

We have fantastic software from America, which will let us show you a simulation of the final results before you even commit to treatment. We’ll only show you aesthetic options that we feel can be achieved and after that, you can give us feedback so you continue to be involved in designing your smile.

Treatment plan

Once we have discussed all the alternatives and you have decided on the best treatment for you, we will give you a written estimate of the cost, which can be more affordable than you would expect. We can also talk you through the various payment options, such as interest-free credit.

3D models

For all but the simplest procedures, we will create a 3D model of your new smile. There are two reasons for this. The first is that we will use sophisticated equipment to assess how your teeth fit together when you bite. The right “bite” is essential both for comfort and to prevent uneven wear of your teeth. If your problems with your teeth have been caused by problems with your bite, there is no point improving your appearance without solving the initial problem.

The second advantage of the model is that it gives you a great opportunity to look at the planned treatment in detail and to work with us. We’ll give you all the benefit of David Cashel’s years of experience and his great eye for creating smiles, but we always pay attention to what YOU want. We don’t expect you to know about the art of beautiful smiles – David Cashel will take care of that- but we will listen to what you want. One smile certainly doesn’t fit all.

Your new smile

Veneers and crowns can often be made and fitted on the same day. After your teeth have been prepared, you will be able to have a trial run of your new smile before they are permanently fixed. If you prefer, you can try your trial smile for a day or so to make sure you are happy before bonding, or you can go ahead on the same day. We won’t make any permanent changes until you are happy with your bespoke smile.

The art and science behind smile design

There are tried and tested principles used to create beautiful smiles. As always, the most important thing is what you want so sometimes rules are made to be broken. Your individual facial aesthetics are taken into account too, so you have a smile that is made for your face.

Here are some of the more important principles:

• Symmetry: symmetry across the midline of the face is very important. We evenly balance the teeth to create symmetry, or the illusion of symmetry.

• Horizontal alignment: your smile should be aligned so that it is parallel to the eye line.

• Smile line: the lower edge of your upper teeth should follow the natural curve of your lower lip for a youthful smile, as older, worn teeth tend to be flat.

• Gum line: the gum line should echo your upper lip line. Think of your lips as being like a frame for your beautiful smile.

• Golden proportions: the “golden proportions” of 1.6:1:0.6 are found in nature and art. Leonardo da Vinci used them when drawing and the Egyptians used them when building the Pyramids. In smile design, they help work out the ideal ratio of the visible width of the front six teeth.

• Tooth proportions: there are also guidelines for the width to height ratio of each tooth.

• Smile width: smiles look better if you can see the teeth first molar to first molar, without any gaps or dark shadows.

• Embrasures: these are the triangular spaces at the biting edge of your teeth. They increase in size towards the back of your mouth. Without them, teeth look too squared off and unnatural.