Patient Smile and Face Photos — How to Take Them for Laboratory Work

Why Photos are Paramount (More Than Verbal Description)

The laboratory works with photos, not descriptions. Every decision made by CAD designers (tooth digitalization, morphology selection, arch placement) is based on photography.

Photography is objective documentation — "the patient wants white teeth," but what does that mean? Photography in natural light answers this question. The laboratory sees exactly what color the patient currently has.

What Photos Should Be Taken (Minimum Standard)

Frontal Smile Photo (Smile Shot)

Patient smiling naturally, facing the camera. All teeth intended to be visible in the smile should be shown.

Natural Tooth Photo

Close-up of the patient's natural tooth (most often, teeth adjacent to the restoration). Showing inclusions, discoloration, and texture.

Preparation Photo in situ

Close-up of the prosthetic abutment (prepared tooth). Showing the complete geometry of the preparation, margins, and preparation type.

Profile Photo

Patient shown in profile, natural smile.

Lip Relationship Photo

Patient at rest, lips closed, and smiling.

Photography Errors

• No wax-up in the photo — the patient doesn't see what it will look like.
• Photographing in artificial light (flash) — flash alters color.
• Lack of reference — no magnification, perspective.
• Photographing from the patient's side — teeth appear crooked.

Photography Setup — Step-by-Step Protocol

Equipment (Minimum)

• Camera (even a smartphone with a good camera)
• Natural light (window or outdoors)
• Optional: reflector for light bouncing

Light Setup

1. Patient sits facing the window (or light source)
2. Light falls from front-above, slightly from the side (~45-degree angle)
3. If the light is too harsh, diffuse it with a white reflector
4. Avoid shadows under the nose and chin

Patient Positioning

1. Patient sits straight, shoulders back
2. Head slightly raised (not looking down)
3. Natural smile — not a "salesman's friendliness" smile
4. Facial muscles at rest, but smile genuinely happy