Smile Design
Designed for your smile. Inspired by your face.
A thoughtful approach to cosmetic dentistry that considers your features, expressions, comfort, and function, not simply the appearance of individual teeth.
A Smile Designed Around You
Tooth shape and color are only part of smile design. Dr. Shay designs the smile in the context of the entire face, selecting tooth contours that complement facial form, whether more angular for a square facial structure, softer and more rounded for a curved facial form, or a refined balance between the two.
The result should look natural in a photograph, but also feel comfortable and harmonious when you smile, speak, and move.
A Comprehensive Perspective
What Dr. Shay Evaluates
Every smile is examined as part of the face, not as an isolated set of teeth.
Facial Harmony
Facial form, proportions, midline, and smile symmetry help establish the overall direction of the design.
Lip Movement and Support
Dr. Shay evaluates how the lips frame the teeth at rest, while smiling, and during speech.
Tooth and Gum Display
The amount of tooth and gum visible, the curve of the smile, and the relationship between the teeth and lips all influence the final design.
Tooth Design
Shape, length, proportion, texture, translucency, and color are selected to complement the individual rather than create a standardized smile.
Comfort and Function
Wear patterns, jaw position, chewing comfort, speech, and how the teeth come together are considered throughout planning.
The Right Treatment for Your Smile
Smile design does not automatically mean veneers.
Depending on your needs, the treatment plan may include conservative bonding, veneers, crowns, dental implants, full mouth rehabilitation, gum treatment, facial aesthetic care, or a carefully coordinated combination of approaches.
The goal is to preserve healthy tooth structure whenever possible while creating a result that feels natural, functions comfortably, and is designed to last.
Thoughtfully Planned
From Analysis to the Final Result
Each stage allows the design to be evaluated and refined before the final restorations are completed.
- 01
Facial and Smile Analysis
Clinical photographs, digital records, and a detailed examination establish the foundation for the design. Facial relationships, tooth display, function, and treatment priorities are evaluated together.
- 02
Diagnostic Wax Up
The proposed tooth shapes and proportions are developed before treatment begins. This allows the appearance, function, and restorative requirements to be studied in advance.
- 03
Smile Mock Up
When appropriate, the proposed design may be transferred temporarily to the mouth so you can preview its general direction before committing to treatment.
A mock up is not necessary or possible in every case, and Dr. Shay will explain when it is beneficial.
- 04
Provisional Smile
For treatments involving temporary restorations, the provisional phase allows Dr. Shay to assess tooth shape, proportion, comfort, speech, facial support, and function in everyday life.
Adjustments can be made before the final restorations are created.
- 05
Final Porcelain
Once the design has been evaluated and refined, the confirmed details are communicated to the dental ceramist.
The final restorations are created to reproduce the approved shape, proportion, texture, color, and functional relationships with precision.
Specialist Perspective
Why a Prosthodontist for Smile Design?
Smile design becomes more complex when appearance, worn or damaged teeth, missing teeth, facial support, and function must be addressed together.
A prosthodontist completes advanced specialty training in restorative and aesthetic planning. Dr. Shay’s training allows her to connect facial analysis, tooth form, movement, speech, and material selection within one restorative plan, rather than designing appearance in isolation.
When multiple forms of treatment are required, she can also coordinate care with the appropriate dental specialists while maintaining the overall vision for the final result.
Good to know
Questions about smile design
A consultation begins with a discussion of what you would like to change and what you want your smile to retain. Dr. Shay evaluates the teeth, gums, smile, lips, facial relationships, movement, function, and support. Photographs, X-rays, scans, or models may be recommended depending on the concerns being evaluated.
No. Smile design is the planning process used to determine what treatment is appropriate. For some patients, that may involve bonding or a small number of veneers. For others, the plan may include crowns, implants, gum treatment, full-mouth rehabilitation, facial-aesthetic treatment, or no treatment at all.
In appropriate cases, photographs, digital simulations, a diagnostic wax-up, an in-mouth mock-up, or provisional restorations can help communicate the proposed design. These tools allow appearance and function to be evaluated before the final treatment is completed.
Yes. Missing teeth can be considered as part of the complete smile plan. Depending on the condition of the bone, gums, and surrounding teeth, treatment may include dental implants, implant-supported restorations, bridges, or another carefully planned replacement option.
For some patients, Botox or another neuromodulator can help reduce excessive gum display or improve differences in lip movement. Dermal filler may be considered when lip support or proportion influences the smile. Dr. Shay evaluates the teeth, gums, lips, muscles, and facial relationships before recommending treatment.
The cost depends on the number of teeth involved, the condition of the teeth and gums, the materials selected, and whether dental, implant, periodontal, or facial-aesthetic treatment is included. After the evaluation and planning process, the office will explain the recommended options and associated fees before treatment begins.
A smile should feel like it belongs to you.
Your consultation begins with a thoughtful evaluation of your concerns, facial features, dental health, and long term goals.