You might want a brighter smile, a softer look or a change that still feels like you. Smile design starts with what you want to change and what you would like to keep. A photograph can help explain your preferences.
What is smile design?
Smile design is an approach to planning the appearance of a smile alongside a dental assessment. Your preferences are part of that conversation. A photograph can help you explain what you like, but it cannot establish which treatment is suitable for your teeth.
The COSDENT photographs below show different smiles in portraits and close-ups. Use them to explain the look you like. The counts and shade codes come from the image labels. They describe these examples, not a recommended treatment plan for you.
Where patient photos are shown, they are actual images from COSDENT Smile Design. Individual results may vary. Promotions and terms may change; please contact the clinic directly for current information. All terms and conditions are subject to company policy.
The first collage is labelled 20 ceramic veneers, shade 1M1. Notice how the smile looks across different expressions, and tell the dentist which details appeal to you. Your treatment count needs its own assessment.
Start with your own preferences
Try describing your goals in ordinary language: “I want a brighter smile, but not a dramatic change” or “I want my smile to feel more balanced in photographs.” You do not need to know a shade code before contacting the clinic.
Bring examples of smiles you like and explain why. Is it the colour, the tooth outline, the overall impression or simply how relaxed the person looks? These details help keep the discussion focused on you.
The yellow-dress collage is labelled 16 ceramic veneers, shade 1M1. It shares a shade label with the first example, while showing a different smile. Matching a code does not mean matching a treatment plan.
Colour is only one part of the picture
A shade code alone does not describe a whole smile. Portraits also differ in lighting, pose and expression, so comparing photographs is not the same as comparing shades in person. Ask the clinic how colour choices will be discussed for your own plan.
The black-outfit collage is labelled 16 ceramic veneers, shade OM2. The portraits and close-up give you another reference to discuss. A photograph cannot show how that shade would look on your own teeth.
Think about shape and the overall look
Would you prefer a subtle change or a more noticeable one? What would you like to keep about your current smile? Discuss those questions before focusing on the treatment count. A smile should not be planned around a photograph alone.
In the beige-outfit collage, the label reads 16 ceramic veneers, shade OM3. Look at the close-up alongside the portraits when describing what you like. The label alone cannot promise a particular appearance.
Smile design does not automatically mean veneers
Ask the dentist which options suit your teeth, what each would change and what its limitations are. Your assessment guides the treatment recommendation.
If you are comparing restorations, read our veneers vs crowns guide and bring your questions to the consultation.
The final collage, with a white top, is labelled 20 ceramic veneers, shade 1M1. As with the other examples, the count belongs to this labelled case, not to your future treatment plan.
What to ask during your consultation
Ask what the dentist has found, which options are suitable and why, what can realistically be changed, and what maintenance to expect. Also ask which planning steps are available for your case. Confirm which scans, previews or appointments are included in your plan.
You can also ask to see relevant case photographs and discuss their limitations. Individual results vary, and photographs do not promise the same outcome for you.
Planning treatment from overseas
Contact COSDENT before booking a treatment trip to Bangkok. Explain your goals and preferred travel dates through the online consultation form. The clinic can advise what information it needs and what can be discussed before an in-person examination.
Appointments, treatment duration, costs, package inclusions and exclusions, and warranty conditions depend on your individual plan and the company’s applicable terms. Confirm the current details directly with the clinic; arrangements may change after assessment.
For travel questions, see our dental treatment travel guide. For ongoing care, read the veneer aftercare guide.
A smile plan starts with a conversation
What would you like to change about your smile? What would you like to keep? Complete the online consultation form to discuss your smile goals with COSDENT before choosing a treatment or arranging your trip.
