Sketch to Smile
Sketch to Smile
The story behind the tooth sculpture “Layers of Care”
Where It All Began
It started with a simple conversation.
We were discussing ideas to renovate our display window at Dental Essence. There were plenty of options on the table, showcasing dental products, placing promotional materials, or adding more informational displays.
But honestly, all of that felt… predictable.
Functional, yes. Memorable, not really.
We wanted something different. Something that felt personal. Something that reflected who we are as a clinic, thoughtful, creative, and deeply connected to dentistry beyond the dental chair.
That’s when Dr Spencer casually said:
“Hey… why don’t we make a tooth sculpture?”
And just like that, the journey began.
Starting with a Clean Slate
Before any creative work could begin, we needed to understand one very practical thing:
What were we actually working with?
So the first task was to clear out the display box. That part was easy enough.
What we did not anticipate was the next challenge.
The stickers.
They had been there since 2009.
Years of sunlight, heat, and stubborn adhesive had permanently bonded them to the glass. What we thought would take minutes turned into a full-on cleaning operation.
And there we were, Dr Andrew, Dr Spencer, and Clinic Manager Ali, all hands on deck. Scraping, peeling, wiping, laughing, and occasionally wondering why those stickers refused to come off.
No shortcuts.
No delegation.
Just the three of us getting our hands dirty, clearing the box and cleaning the windows properly, because if we were going to build something meaningful, it had to start from a clean slate.
Messy.
Tiring.
And surprisingly memorable.
With the space cleared, Dr Spencer began with a simple hand sketch of a tooth sculpture concept.
To visualize it better, we decided to upload the idea into ChatGPT.
What came back? A kebab.
Yes, an actual kebab-looking object!
We laughed. A lot!
From Sketch to… Kebab?
After refining the prompts (and learning very quickly what not to say), we finally received an image that matched our intention: a layered, sculptural tooth form that felt architectural, modern, and bold.
Now we had something concrete to present.
Turning an Idea into a Real Design
With the concept in place, Dr Spencer moved into AutoCAD.
This was where creativity met precision.
The sculpture wasn’t just about aesthetics anymore. It required:
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Accurate dimensions
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Structural planning
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Proper spacing
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Build feasibility
Layer by layer, the tooth took shape digitally, designed with intention and clarity.
And when the final AutoCAD drawing was ready, we all paused.
It looked… amazing.
Revamping the Display Window
Before the sculpture could exist, the display window itself needed attention.
We worked with Vincent from Cubetopia Pte Ltd to revamp our side display window, something that had been long overdue for a makeover.
We shared our ideas, the concept, and the ambition behind the sculpture. Vincent and his team understood the vision immediately and brought it to life with efficiency and high-quality workmanship.
One major hurdle cleared.
Next: building the tooth.
Choosing the Right Wood
Sourcing the right material took time. We eventually found SIN JOO LEE TIMBER PTE LTD, which offered a wide range of timber options.
After much consideration, one stood out to Dr Spencer:
Nyatoh Timber
Nyatoh is a medium hardwood known for:
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Its durability and stability Rich
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warm brown tones
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consistent grain Fine
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Excellent finishing quality
Elegant yet strong, exactly what the sculpture needed.
Once the dimensions were finalized, the timber was delivered straight to our doorstep.
Hands-On at the Workshop
Next stop: Tombalek Workshop — one of the few places in Singapore where you can do your own carpentry work.
Dr Spencer carefully planned every step:
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Cutting
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Sanding
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Drilling
It was dusty.
Physically demanding.
And far more work than we expected.
But piece by piece, the sculpture began to take form.
Engineering Challenges
To hold everything together vertically, the sculpture required metal poles.
Finding the right ones locally proved challenging, so we turned to Taobao.
After communicating with the supplier, we placed the order.
When the poles arrived, we were shocked.
Both poles together weighed 5.4kg!
At that point, we decided not to weigh the final sculpture.
It was already heavy enough.
Assembly and Problem-Solving
Assembling the sculpture introduced another challenge: How do we space the layers evenly and ensure they stay in place once upright?
The solution:
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Drill precise holes into the metal poles
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Secure each layer so it wouldn’t shift or slide
After several adjustments, the sculpture finally stood firm.
Building the Right Base
Initially, we assumed a concrete base would be sufficient.
But once we fully appreciated the weight of the sculpture, it became clear that this approach carried risks we weren’t comfortable with. With so much mass above, a poorly designed base could crack, shift, or fail over time, something we wanted to avoid from the start.
we turned to Vincent and his team from Cubetopia Pte Ltd to help us do it safely.
Beyond structural integrity, there was another detail that mattered deeply to us: finish and consistency. The base couldn’t just be strong, it had to visually belong to the sculpture.
Vincent’s team worked closely with us to match the varnish color exactly to what we envisioned, ensuring it complemented the warm tones of the Nyatoh timber rather than overpowering it. The finish brought out the natural depth of the wood, tying the sculpture and base together as a single, cohesive piece.
That attention to detail made all the difference.
What could have been a purely functional base became an integral part of the sculpture itself, visually balanced, structurally sound, and thoughtfully executed.
Introducing “Layers of Care”
Handcrafted by Dr Spencer Douglas
This sculpture represents dentistry itself.
Layer by layer.
Designed with precision.
Built through collaboration.
Supported by structure.
Just like a dental crown:
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Designed by the GP
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Manufactured by the lab
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Supported by an implant placed by a specialist
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Given time to heal
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Finally restored to give the patient their smile
Many hands.
Many steps.
One meaningful result.
Thank You
Thank you for taking the time to read our journey.
This project reminded us that great things are never built alone, whether it’s a sculpture, a crown, or a smile.
With gratitude,
The Dental Essence Team
