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How to take and send dental photos for a quote from Vietnam
What dental photos do you need to send to get a quote from Vietnam? Seven shots, camera tips, and where to send them to Picasso Dental Clinic.
To get an accurate GBP quote from Picasso Dental Clinic, send seven photos: a front-facing smile, a retracted frontal view, left and right side profiles, upper arch, lower arch, and a close-up of any specific concern. Add any OPG X-ray you have. Picasso returns a written itemised quote in English, usually within 24 hours.
A clear set of dental photos is the fastest way to get an accurate quote. Vague or blurry photos lead to vague quotes. The seven shots below are what Picasso Dental Clinic’s clinical team needs to give you a written, itemised GBP quote for veneers, crowns, or implants.
The seven photos to take
1. Front-facing smile, teeth slightly apart
Stand facing a bright window or sit under overhead lighting. Open your mouth slightly so the edges of your upper and lower teeth are just visible. Relax your lips. Take the photo at eye level, not from below.
This shot shows overall tooth colour, spacing, centreline alignment, and the general condition of your visible teeth.
2. Retracted frontal view
Pull your lips back using two spoons (backs touching each side of your mouth) or your fingers. Aim to expose your gum line above the upper teeth and below the lower teeth, with all front teeth fully visible. Take the photo straight on.
This shot reveals gum recession, short teeth, black triangles between teeth, chips along the gum margin, and existing crowns or fillings that affect the treatment plan.
3. Left side profile (bite view)
Turn slightly to show your left side. Close into a natural bite. Take the photo from the side so upper and lower teeth in the left quadrant are visible together.
This shows how your teeth meet on the left side and whether there is any wear, misalignment, or missing tooth gaps.
4. Right side profile (bite view)
Repeat for the right side.
5. Upper arch (looking up)
Open wide and tilt your head back slightly. Hold the phone or camera above your open mouth and aim down to show the full upper arch, including back molars.
This shows the shape of your arch, any missing teeth, and the condition of back teeth that do not appear in frontal photos.
6. Lower arch (looking down)
Tilt your head forward and hold the camera below to show the lower arch from the front.
7. Close-up of your main concern
If you have a specific tooth that is cracked, discoloured, broken, or causing concern, take a dedicated close-up. Fill the frame with that tooth. Use portrait mode or manual focus if available.
Camera tips for usable dental photos
Use the rear camera. The front-facing selfie camera on most phones has lower resolution. Always use the rear camera and hold the phone at arm’s length, asking a friend or partner to take the shot if possible.
Use natural daylight. Sit facing a window with daylight coming from the front. Avoid overhead bathroom lighting (it casts shadows under teeth). Do not use flash; it washes out tooth colour and reflects off wet teeth.
Move close, then focus. Move the camera close enough that your teeth fill roughly 60% of the frame. Tap the screen to focus on the teeth before shooting. Take three or four shots per angle and choose the sharpest.
No filters. Send unedited originals. Portrait mode compression is fine. Do not apply Instagram filters or brightness adjustments; they distort the shade and colour information the dentist uses.
Minimum resolution. Any smartphone made after 2019 has a sufficiently high-resolution rear camera. There is no need to buy specialist equipment.
How to take the retracted frontal shot alone
If you are taking photos without a helper:
- Place your phone propped against a mirror or use a phone stand.
- Open your mouth and hook each side with a finger to pull the cheeks back.
- Use the rear camera with a 3-second self-timer.
- Take several shots and select the sharpest.
Alternative: use two metal teaspoons, backs facing outward, inserted one on each side. This is the technique dental nurses use in clinical photos. It exposes the full arch without tiring your fingers.
Including your X-rays
If you have a recent OPG (panoramic X-ray) from a UK dentist, include it. An OPG allows the team to assess bone levels for implant cases and check the condition of roots that are not visible in clinical photos.
How to get your OPG from a UK dentist:
Call reception and ask for “a digital copy of my panoramic X-ray.” Most modern practices store OPGs digitally. They are usually sent by email as a JPEG or DICOM file, or you can pick up a printed copy.
UK dental practices may charge GBP 10 to GBP 15 for the admin time. If reception is unclear on how to provide it, ask the practice manager directly. You have a legal right to access your dental records under the UK GDPR (Article 15) and the Access to Health Records Act 1990.
If you do not have an OPG, you can attend any UK high-street dentist for a single OPG X-ray, which typically costs GBP 15 to GBP 30 with no examination needed. Some practices offer standalone imaging appointments.
You do not need to send a CBCT scan. Picasso takes a CBCT (GBP 17) on arrival as part of the implant planning protocol. A standard OPG is sufficient for the initial quote stage.
Where to send your photos
WhatsApp: +84 989 067 888 (respond in English; the team replies within 24 hours on weekdays)
Email: [email protected]
Online form: /free-quote/
WhatsApp is the fastest channel for photo submissions. The clinical team can review images directly in the app and respond with follow-up questions if needed.
What you receive in return
Picasso returns a written quote in GBP, itemised by tooth and treatment type. The quote specifies:
- The recommended treatment for each tooth
- The material (e.g., Emax Press veneer, Zirconia crown, Osstem implant)
- The price per unit and total
- The warranty for each item
- The approximate number of clinical days required
This written quote is your planning baseline. It is not a legally binding contract; the final figure is confirmed after a clinical examination and CBCT scan on arrival. Understanding why quotes sometimes change after you arrive is covered in a separate article on quote adjustments.
What the quote does not include
The photo-based quote covers the main treatment items. It does not pre-confirm:
- Whether bone grafting will be needed (only visible on CBCT)
- Gum treatment costs if active periodontal disease is found on examination
- Any teeth not visible or not discussed in the photos
Planning a contingency of 10 to 15% above the initial quote is sensible for implant cases. Veneer quotes based on photos tend to be more stable as they rely less on hidden anatomy.
Send your seven photos to get a written GBP quote before you book flights.