How to Fix Teeth in Photos

How to Fix Teeth in Photos
Published: Oct 18, 2009
Updated: Feb 23, 2021
2 minute read

Some people are sensitive about how their smiles appear in photos. In a photograph, crooked or broken teeth can appear worse than they do on a day-to-day basis. You might want to do some digital dental work so you won't grimace every time you see that smile on your wall.

Things You'll Need:

Things You Will Need

  • Tablet (Optional)
  • Computer
  • Photo-Editing Software That Has A Cloning Tool
  • Digital Photos Or Scanning Equipment
  • How to Fix Teeth in Photos

    Acquire a digital image. You can transfer images from your digital camera, or you can scan images from film or prints to your computer.

    Open the desired photo in your editing software.

    Make a copy of the original layer. Do all of your digital dental work on this copy, not on the original.

    Zoom in on the teeth you want to fix so that you can work with them easier.

    Select the cloning tool and define the region you want to clone. Typically this will be the largest spot on the tooth you want to fix.

    Clone from bits of teeth that are straight and unbroken. For instance, if you are repairing a chip at the bottom of a tooth, clone from the bottom of an unbroken tooth.

    Use the paintbrush tool to make additional repairs if you can't get the exact results from cloning. Be sure to use the dropper tool to select colors that match.

    Advertisement

    Use the dodge tool to lighten teeth that are dark. Be careful not to dodge too much, or the teeth will be washed out.

    Use the sponge tool to desaturate yellowed teeth.

    Warnings:

    • Never do editing directly onto the original photo. Always make a copy. Otherwise you might make changes to the original that you're unhappy with and that can't be undone. Make sure the person whose teeth you are editing is OK with the change and won't be offended.

    References

    Ashley Bustamante

    Ashley Bustamante is a graduate of Northern Arizona University where she studied English with an emphasis on creative writing. She currently works at Arizona State University writing newsletters and handout materials and participates in…

    Sponsored
    Our Pastimes Logo

    A destination for the avid collector and weekend hobbyist alike, Our Pastimes features articles and tips about your favorite cards and games, hobbies and more.

    Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

    Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.