Smile design

Smile design is a comprehensive approach to cosmetic dentistry that seeks to improve the harmony between teeth, gums, lips and face. It is not just about “whitening”, but about planning proportions, shape, color and function so that the smile looks natural and is stable.

It can help in cases such as:

• Teeth with wear, fractures, irregular edges or stains.
• Spacing between teeth or slight misalignment (as appropriate).
• Short” or poorly visible smile due to dental proportions.
• Old restorations that no longer look natural.

A natural smile respects the real anatomy: subtle variations in shape, texture and color, and a harmonious relationship with lips and face. To avoid the “uniform effect” (too much white or identical teeth), we plan tone, translucency and proportions.

In consultation is defined:

• Dental shape according to your face and age.
• Realistic color (not necessarily the whitest).
• Length and contour to make the lip and smile look harmonious.

The process is organized in stages so that you have clarity of decisions and timing. A typical flow includes:

• Assessment: clinical examination, gums, bite and esthetic objectives.
• Records: clinical photos, scans and studies (CBCT if applicable).
• Planning: design proposal and treatment selection (resins, veneers, whitening, orthodontics or others).
• Proofs (if applicable): mock-up/provisional to visualize the proposal.
• Execution: final treatment and fine adjustments.
• Maintenance: controls to maintain esthetics and gum health.

Smile design is not a single procedure: it is a plan that combines options depending on your diagnosis. It may include:

• Esthetic resins: conservative corrections of shape, edges and small fractures.
• Veneers: for more extensive shade/shape changes (as indicated).
• Whitening: to improve tone before restorations.
• Orthodontics/aligners: when alignment and bite must be corrected for stability.
• Occlusal rehabilitation/adjustments: if there is wear or bite that compromises the result.

In consultation we define which combination gives you the best result with the most conservative approach possible.

It depends on the objective, the condition of the tooth and the level of change you are looking for. In general:

• Resins: are usually a conservative choice for small corrections, edge touch-ups, slight gaps or shaping. May require maintenance over time.
• Veneers: considered when a more significant change in shape/shade is sought, or when there are previous restorations or complex stains (depending on the diagnosis).

The final decision is made with clinical evaluation and esthetic-functional plan.

A mock-up is a temporary “test” that allows to visualize volume, shape and length before finalizing the treatment (when applicable). It serves to align expectations and adjust aesthetic details (longer/shorter, wider/narrower) before reaching the final stage.

Useful for:

• See the smile on your face and with the way you talk.
• Decide on changes safely before finalizing.
• Confirm a natural and harmonious result.

It depends on the complexity and treatments involved. Some plans can be resolved in a few appointments (e.g. whitening + resins), while others require stages (veneers, orthodontics or rehabilitation).

In your assessment we will give you a timetable by stages and what factors may modify it (gums, bite, need for provisionals, etc.).

Varies by plan. A conservative design may require only a few visits, while a comprehensive plan may require several stages. The important thing is to define them from the beginning:

• What is done at each appointment and why.
• Which part is “proof” (mock-up/provisional) and which part is final.
• Subsequent checks to ensure stability.

We give you a guide of visits and times adapted to your case.

Most aesthetic procedures are well tolerated. If adjustments or procedures are required, local anesthesia will be used. If you are anxious, it is best to discuss this at the time of the evaluation to plan for a more comfortable experience.

We usually help with:

• Clear explanation in stages and realistic expectations.
• Scheduled breaks and communication during the procedure.
• Postoperative indications and follow-up.

Gum health is key to a stable esthetic result. If there is inflammation or periodontal disease, periodontal treatment and maintenance is indicated first. Then the esthetic plan is resumed with better conditions and less risk of complications.

Bruxism can affect the durability of esthetic restorations and bite stability. Therefore, we evaluate wear, bite force and habits. Depending on the case, a protection plan (e.g. night guard) and adjustments to reduce overloads are recommended.

The duration depends on the type of treatment, habits and maintenance. To preserve results it is recommended:

• Daily hygiene and periodic professional cleaning.
• Avoid staining or damaging habits (as indicated).
• Revisions for fine adjustments and gum control.
• If bruxism is present, protection with guard.

In consultation we give you a specific maintenance plan.

The cost depends on the complete plan and the treatments needed for your case, not just a single procedure. Frequent variables:

• Number of teeth to be treated and esthetic objectives.
• Type of treatment (resins, veneers, whitening, orthodontics or other).
• Condition of gums and bite (if pre-treatment is required).
• Need for testing, interim and controls.

The ideal is a phased budget, with alternatives depending on the level of change desired.

We can arrange payment in stages (assessment/diagnosis, execution and controls). Available payment methods may vary, but usually include transfer and cards; specific conditions may also apply depending on current policies.

In your assessment we will confirm the current options and the most convenient scheme according to your plan.

Yes, for international patients, we organize the plan in stages to optimize time and visits, while maintaining clinical safety. Normally we start with pre-evaluation, and during the visit to CDMX we define the final plan with a chronogram. Some phases can be concentrated in a few days when clinically feasible; others are programmed according to biological times and stability of the result.

To move faster, we recommend sending before your trip (if you have one): panoramic x-ray or CBCT, photos of your smile and close-up, and a summary of goals (what you would like to improve). It is also helpful to share your travel dates and how many days you will be in CDMX.

With this information we can guide you on options, stages and a realistic itinerary.