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Preparing your documents

What clinics need for an accurate quote – and how to get it right first time.

In short

What clinics need from you for an accurate quote

To give you a reliable treatment quote, clinics need a recent full-mouth X-ray (OPG) – or a 3D CT scan for implant cases – plus five clear photos of your teeth.

You can get these from your UK dentist or a private X-ray clinic. Add the files when you request quotes, or later through your private upload link.

Last reviewed 8 November 2026 · Smile & Stay editorial team
  • Most usefulOPG X-ray
  • For implants3D CT scan
  • Photos5, in daylight
  • File typesJPG, PNG, HEIC, PDF, DICOM
  • Kept12 months, then deleted
Guide 1 · X-rays

Which X-ray do clinics need?

The right X-ray helps clinics assess your teeth, plan treatment and give you an accurate quote. Here’s what you need to know.

Most common

Full-mouth X-ray (OPG)

Best for every quote

One wide image of all your teeth, roots and both jaws. Ideally from the last 6–12 months.

3D CT scan (CBCT)

For implants

Shows bone height and width for implants and All-on-4. Not essential for a first quote – many clinics take one on day one.

Small X-rays (bitewings)

Helpful, not enough

Show a few teeth at a time. Send them if you have them, but a clinic will still ask for an OPG.

In short: if you’re requesting quotes, an OPG is usually all you need. If you’re considering implants, a 3D CT scan (CBCT) will also be needed.

Guide 2 · Photos

Five photos clinics ask for

Clear photos help clinics assess your teeth and plan treatment – especially for veneers, crowns and a full smile. A phone camera is fine.

1Natural smile

Example photo: natural smile

Face the camera and smile as you normally would.

2Teeth together

Example photo: teeth together

Bite together and pull your lips back with your fingers.

3Upper teeth

Example photo: upper teeth

Tilt your head back, open wide and shoot from below.

4Lower teeth

Example photo: lower teeth

Tilt your chin down, open wide and shoot from above.

5Side view

Example photo: side view

Teeth together, turn your head and show the side teeth (either side is fine).

Guide 3 · No digital file?

Photographing your X-ray

If you only have a printed X-ray or one on a screen, a clear photo of it works for a first quote.

Do

  • Hold the phone flat, straight above the X-ray.
  • Get every edge of the X-ray in the picture.
  • Tap to focus so the details are sharp.

Avoid

  • Glare from a screen, film or flash.
  • Shooting at an angle.
  • Cutting off part of the X-ray.

Better still

  • Ask your dentist to email the digital file.
  • Any format is fine – JPG, PDF or DICOM.
Also useful

Other things to have ready

These aren’t always required, but they help clinics give you a more accurate, tailored quote.

Your dentist’s plan

A treatment plan or notes from your UK dentist, and any recent quotes – so clinics see what’s been suggested.

Medical history

Medicines you take and conditions such as diabetes or heart problems. You’ll go through this with the clinic at consultation.

Nothing yet? That’s fine

You can still request quotes. Clinics give a first estimate from a description and photos, then confirm with an X-ray.

Guide 4 · Sending

Sending your files safely

X-rays and photos are health data, so under UK GDPR we only accept them from registered patients, through their own private link.

  1. With your quote requestAdd your X-ray in the free quotes form. No account needed – it goes straight to your coordinator.
  2. Your private upload linkYour confirmation email and quote page include a private link to send more files at any time.
  3. From My accountOn the device you used to request quotes, open My account → X-rays, photos & documents. It’s locked for everyone else.

Kept private: files are shared with clinics only without your name or contact details, and deleted after 12 months. You can ask us to see, replace or delete them at any time – how we handle your files.

FAQ

Documents questions

Can’t find yours? Message us on WhatsApp and a real person will answer.

Do I need an X-ray to get a quote?+
No – you can request quotes with a description and photos, and clinics give a first estimate. An X-ray makes the quote much more accurate, and the clinic will need one before treatment.
Where can I get a dental X-ray in the UK?+
Ask your own dentist for a digital copy of your latest X-ray. If you don’t have a recent one, many private dental practices and X-ray clinics take OPG X-rays without a referral.
Is a photo of my X-ray good enough?+
Usually, for a first quote. Take it straight on, in focus, with the whole X-ray in the picture and no glare – see Guide 3.
Why can’t I upload without registering?+
X-rays and photos are health data under UK GDPR. To keep them safe, we only accept them from people who have asked us for quotes, through their own private link.
I’ve lost my upload link – what now?+
Email [email protected] from the address you used for your quote request and we’ll resend it.
Next step

Request free quotes

Add your X-ray in the form if you have it – you’ll get your private upload link straight away.

Free quotes How it works