Smile design is a planning method, not a single procedure. Photographs, a facial analysis and a digital mock-up are used to decide what should change, before anything is done to a tooth. The mock-up can often be tried in the mouth so you see the shape before committing.
The honest part of this conversation is what is reversible. Whitening and orthodontic alignment are conservative. Veneers and crowns involve permanently removing enamel. A good plan does the least irreversible thing that achieves the result.
When smile design & veneers is the right treatment
- Chipped, worn or uneven front teeth
- Discolouration that whitening alone will not correct
- Small gaps between front teeth
- A gummy smile where gum contouring changes the proportion
- Old front crowns or veneers that no longer match
What the treatment involves
- 1
Analysis
Clinical photographs, facial midline and smile line assessment, and a discussion of what specifically you want changed.
- 2
Digital design and mock-up
The proposed shapes are designed digitally and can be trialled directly in the mouth as a temporary mock-up.
- 3
Preparation
Minimal, guided by the mock-up rather than by guesswork. Some cases are no-prep or minimal-prep.
- 4
Fit
Veneers or crowns are bonded, contacts and bite are refined, and the finish is polished.
Cost
Veneers are priced per tooth, so the figure that matters is per tooth multiplied by how many teeth show when you smile.
See smile design & veneers costs in Lucknow →Smile Design & Veneers: common questions
Do veneers damage the natural teeth?
Conventional veneers require removing a thin layer of enamel, which does not grow back, so the tooth will always need a covering afterwards. Minimal-prep and no-prep options exist for suitable cases. This trade-off should be explained before treatment, not after.
Should I align my teeth or veneer them?
If the problem is position, orthodontics is the conservative answer and it keeps the tooth intact. Veneers are for shape, shade and surface. Using veneers purely to hide misalignment usually means cutting more enamel than necessary.
How long do veneers last?
Porcelain veneers commonly last many years with good hygiene. Grinding and biting habits are the main cause of early failure, and a night guard is often advised.
Medically reviewed
Reviewed by Dr. Dhanya Saxena, BDS, MHA, FMC, FAOI, oro-dental surgeon and aesthetic physician at Redefine Dental and Facial Aesthetic, Indira Nagar, Lucknow. Dental Council registration 20935. Last reviewed 30 August 2026.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a quotation. Your own treatment and cost are determined after an examination.