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Smile Design

For a more comprehensive quote we will go through various treatment options with you during your visit.

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Bespoke smile design with Dr Elizabeth Johnston

Smile design is the foundation of any successful cosmetic treatment. At our Ballsbridge and Drogheda clinics, Dr Elizabeth Johnston follows a structured and thoughtful approach to ensure your smile suits not only your teeth, but also your facial features, expressions, and personality. Rather than applying a standardised template, every smile is individually planned to achieve a result that feels natural and balanced.

A detailed and personalised process

Your journey begins with a New Patient Cosmetic Consultation (€150).

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where we gather comprehensive diagnostic records, including:

  • Clinical photographs 

  • Digital intra-oral scans 

  • Smile and bite assessment 

  • Optional OPG scan (€60), if required 

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These records allow Dr Johnston to carefully analyse:

  • Tooth size and proportion 

  • Smile symmetry and midline 

  • Lip movement when smiling 

  • Gum levels and tooth display 

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This detailed planning stage ensures that every aspect of your smile is considered before treatment begins.

Digital mock-ups and trial smiles

A key part of smile design is visualisation. Using your records, a digital mock-up of your proposed smile is created. In many cases, this can be translated into a trial smile, which is temporarily applied to your teeth.

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This step allows you to:

  • See your new smile in real time 

  • Assess how it looks when you speak and smile 

  • Request adjustments before committing 

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This process helps remove uncertainty and gives you confidence in the final outcome.

From planning to treatment

Once your design is approved, treatment is carried out in a carefully planned sequence. Typically, this includes:

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  1. Alignment (often with Invisalign) 

  2. Whitening to establish a brighter base shade 

  3. Final refinements such as bonding or veneers 

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This staged approach ensures that each step builds on the previous one, delivering a natural and cohesive result.

Transparent fees and planning

  • Cosmetic Consultation: €150 

  • Discussion Appointment: €60 

  • OPG Scan: €60 

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A fully itemised written treatment plan is always provided before any work begins, ensuring clarity and transparency throughout your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is smile design?
It is a planning process that ensures your final smile is tailored to your facial features and personal preferences. It takes into account factors such as tooth proportions, lip movement, and overall facial balance. This approach helps create results that feel natural and harmonious rather than artificial or overdone.

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2. Is smile design only for major treatments?
No, it can be used for both minor and more comprehensive cosmetic improvements. Even small changes, such as edge bonding or whitening, can benefit from careful planning. It ensures that every treatment, no matter how simple, contributes to a balanced final result.

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3. What is a trial smile?
A temporary mock-up placed on your teeth so you can preview the final result before treatment. It allows you to see how your smile will look in real-life situations, including speaking and smiling. You can also request adjustments at this stage, giving you more control over the outcome.

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4. How long does smile design take?
The planning stage is relatively quick, but overall treatment time depends on the procedures involved. Simple cases may be completed in a few visits, while more complex plans take longer. Your dentist will outline a clear timeline so you know what to expect at each stage.

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5. Can I request changes to the design?
Yes, adjustments can be made during the trial phase to ensure you are fully comfortable with the result. This step is designed to give you confidence before any permanent work begins. Your feedback is an important part of achieving a result that feels right for you.

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