Patients who would like preliminary information before an examination, or who live in another city or abroad, sometimes send the clinic photos of their teeth and smile. Well-taken photos can help the orthodontist get a general idea of your situation at a preliminary consultation. The checklist on this page summarises the points you can pay attention to before taking the photos. This tool does not produce medical recommendations; the information stays only in your browser and is not sent anywhere.
Checklist before taking photos
0/11
Poses to take
- Front, teeth together: Close your teeth in your normal biting position, part your lips and take the photo straight on.
- Right side, teeth together: Turn your head slightly to the left so that it is visible how the back teeth fit together.
- Left side, teeth together: Repeat the same shot for the other side.
- Upper jaw: Tilt your head slightly back, open your mouth and take the photo so that the upper teeth are seen from below.
- Lower jaw: Tilt your head slightly forward, open your mouth and take the photo so that the lower teeth are seen from above.
- Natural smile: A photo of you smiling naturally that includes the lower half of your face.
- Side profile: A photo showing your face from the side, with your lips relaxed and closed.
You may need to use a mirror for the upper and lower jaw photos. In that case, if the clinic has explained how to use the mirror, use it that way and avoid movements that strain the inside of your mouth.
Common mistakes
- Shooting in the dark: In low light, photos can be blurred and colours can look different.
- Shooting too close: Bringing the phone too close to the teeth can distort the image; step back a little and check the sharpness.
- Tilted angle: Photos taken at an angle from above or the side can make the alignment of the teeth look different from how it really is.
- Only a smile photo: To understand the bite, photos from the front and sides with the teeth together are also needed.
- Edited images: Whitening or smoothing filters change the true appearance of the teeth.
When sending the photos, briefly writing which pose each photo shows and adding a short note (your concern, whether you have had treatment before) can make the preliminary consultation easier.
Photos do not replace an examination
Photos only provide preliminary information. The position of the tooth roots, the structure of the jawbones, and the health of the gums and jaw joints cannot be assessed from photos. Diagnosis and a treatment plan require an examination and, where necessary, X-rays and an intraoral scan. The orthodontist does not create a treatment plan just by looking at photos; after a preliminary consultation, an examination appointment is usually arranged. You can read what happens at the examination on our first orthodontic examination page. You can find this topic in detail in our article is an examination needed for remote clear aligner treatment?
Your personal data and photos
Photos of your teeth and face may count as personal health data. Share your photos only with the clinic, through the channel the clinic has given you; do not share them on social media, in open groups or with third parties. The checklist on this page does not upload photos and your ticks are not sent anywhere. You can read how your data is processed in our privacy notice.
For patients coming from further away
If you will be coming from another city or country, preparing any recent X-rays and previous treatment records along with the photos can make the preliminary consultation easier. For planning your visit, see our pages for patients coming from abroad and patients coming from out of town. For the channel to send photos and to make an appointment, you can use the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a treatment plan by sending photos?
No. Photos are for preliminary information. The treatment plan is prepared by the orthodontist after the examination and the necessary records have been taken.
Is a phone camera good enough?
In most cases, phone photos taken in good light are enough for preliminary information. What matters is images that are sharp, unfiltered and show all the teeth.
Can I use a spoon to pull my cheeks back?
This is not recommended. Forcing with a spoon or fingers can injure the lips and cheeks and is not hygienic. Parting your lips slightly is usually enough for preliminary information.
How long are my photos kept?
Information on the processing and storage of personal data is given in the privacy notice. You can send your questions to the clinic.
For questions, you can call 0312 911 60 36 or use the form on the contact page.
This page is for general information only; diagnosis and the treatment plan are determined by an examination and your orthodontist's assessment.
