At Esthetic Dental Center, Digital Smile Design (also known as digital smile planning) is an essential step in planning prosthetic rehabilitation and aesthetic smile correction.
The First Appointment
Every first visit begins with an initial examination. During this appointment, we go through the following with the patient:
Medical history
Clinical oral examination – through visual and tactile assessment, we evaluate the health of the teeth, oral mucosa, and possible functional anomalies
Panoramic X-ray analysis (orthopantomogram) – after taking the panoramic radiograph, we perform a detailed analysis to determine the presence or absence of inflammation in the tooth root area or caries not visible to the naked eye
Reason for the visit – we discuss with the patient the reason for their visit. If the patient requires prosthetic rehabilitation, we create a treatment plan, and if part of that plan includes changing the appearance of the front teeth, we schedule the next appointment dedicated to Digital Smile Design
What Is Smile Design?
Smile design is an exceptional tool that enhances communication between the dentist and the patient. During this planning phase, the patient actively participates in choosing and designing their smile, helping us fully meet their expectations and ensure the success of every procedure. At the same time, unrealistic expectations are identified and eliminated early on, which is a crucial factor in planning and helps prevent disappointment at the end of treatment.
How Does the Process Begin?
The process starts with a photographic protocol, performed in our in-house photo studio. The patient is photographed in eight reference positions. Once the images are transferred to the computer, we design several versions of the new smile together with the patient using specialised software.
We select the new tooth shape, size, and—when the clinical situation allows—position. In this way, the patient can see the final result before treatment begins: an image of themselves with their new smile, and choose the design they like the most.
Why Do Patients Love Digital Smile Design?
This method enables communication between the patient and the dental technician through us as intermediaries. The dental technician is responsible for the creative aspect of fabricating prosthetic restorations. We send the technician the design approved by the patient, after which the second phase begins—the creation of a wax-up, a model representing the new dental situation.
Based on this wax-up, we produce a mock-up, a negative of the new model, which allows us to try the future smile directly in the patient’s mouth using temporary materials placed over the existing situation. We evaluate both the function and aesthetics of the design, giving the patient the opportunity to see and experience their new smile live, and to begin the transformation process with confidence and peace of mind, without uncertainty about the final outcome.
This is one of the greatest advantages of Digital Smile Design, and patients truly love it. In addition, it allows us to work in a minimally invasive way. There is no unnecessary or extensive tooth preparation—only the space required for the new prosthetic restoration is prepared.
Do patients decide to start treatment because of it?
There are patients who are 100% certain that they want a new smile and nothing can deter them. However, there are also patients who desire change but feel anxious about it—and for them, Smile Design is often the turning point and the reason they decide to begin their transformation.
How Precise Is Smile Design?
The dental technician fabricates the prosthetic work based on our approved design. During the design process, it is crucial to stay within the limits allowed by the existing oral situation. While we can change the shape, size, and position of teeth, we must not design something that is not feasible or that would compromise function.
By considering these limitations from the start, the technician can accurately create a smile that is fully precise and identical to the approved design—which is exactly how we work.
When Is Smile Design Indicated?
Prosthetic Rehabilitation:
When a patient has a fully rehabilitated dental arch and requires replacement of old prosthetic work
When partial tooth loss and inadequate restoration of remaining teeth require prosthetic rehabilitation
When severe tooth wear caused by bruxism leads to reduced clinical crown height and impaired function
In such cases, prosthetic rehabilitation may be therapeutic, to restore function, or preventive, to stop disease progression
In cases of complete tooth loss, prior to fabricating full dentures or restoring the jaw with implant-supported prosthetics
Aesthetic Smile Corrections:
When a patient is dissatisfied with the appearance of their smile, including tooth shape, colour, or position
Smile design is indicated for all types of prosthetic restorations, including ceramic veneers, crowns, bridges, and composite veneers
