Digital Smile Design & Smile Mockups
Approve your smile before we touch a tooth.
Digital design and mockups let you see, and even try on, your proposed smile so there are no surprises.
What is digital smile design & smile mockup?
Digital Smile Design uses photos, video and 3D scans to plan cosmetic treatment around your face, lips and bite. A mockup then transfers that design to your teeth in temporary material. It improves communication and predictability. Its main limitation: it's a planning tool, not a treatment on its own.
Who is a candidate?
Often a good fit
- Anyone considering veneers or a makeover
- People unsure what they want
- Complex aesthetic cases
- Patients who want to preview results
Needs extra care or planning
- Untreated gum disease
- Active decay
- Bite problems that need treatment first
When an exam is needed: Photos, video, an iTero scan and an exam are needed.
Problems it can address
Limitations: The final result may vary slightly from the simulation due to tooth and gum anatomy.
Benefits and disadvantages
Benefits
- See your result first
- Better communication
- More predictable outcomes
- Reversible mockups
Disadvantages
- Additional planning visit
- Planning fee may apply
- Simulation is not a guarantee
- Requires good photos
The treatment process
- 1
Photos & video
We capture your smile at rest and in motion.
- 2
Scan
A 3D iTero scan.
- 3
Design
A digital design is created.
- 4
Mockup
Temporary material is placed to preview the design.
- 5
Finalize
Adjustments before treatment begins.
Timeline: 1–2 visits over 1–2 weeks.
Recovery and aftercare
What to expect
Discomfort: None.
Downtime: None.
Aftercare
- Mockups are temporary; avoid hard foods while wearing
- Share feedback openly
- Bring photos of smiles you like
Call us right away if you notice
- Mockup piece breaks (harmless)
- Gum irritation from mockup
Longevity and outcomes
The design guides your final restorations.
What affects your result
- Accuracy of records
- Your feedback
- Lab skill
Possible complications
- Minor variation from simulation
- Mockup breakage
Cost and payment options
Planning is often included or credited toward treatment. We'll confirm at consultation.
What affects the price
- Complexity
- Physical mockup vs digital only
- Lab wax-up
- Credit toward treatment
Insurance & financing
We accept most PPO plans and offer financing through CareCredit, Sunbit and others.
Comparison with alternatives
Traditional wax-up
Physical model of the design.
Photo previews
Simpler digital edits.
Starting treatment directly
For simple cases.
Clinical case examples
Real, patient-authorized cases for this treatment are being added soon, with diagnosis, reasoning and results.
View our Before & After Gallery →Why choose Neo Dental?
Patient reviews
Read what our patients say, in their own words, on independent review sites.
Frequently asked questions
Is the mockup permanent?+
No, it's temporary.
Does it hurt?+
No.
Can I change the design?+
Yes, before treatment starts.
Is the result guaranteed?+
It's a close guide, not a guarantee.
Do I have to proceed?+
No.
How long does it take?+
Usually 1–2 visits.
Your care team & booking
Dr. Sol Shahri
General and cosmetic dentist leading every treatment plan at Neo Dental. This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Sol Shahri.
Meet the team →References
Related treatments
Not sure if you need digital smile design & smile mockups?
Book an exam and we'll explain every option, including the most conservative one.
Book your visit