Dental Nation
Dental technology

Digital Smile Design

Digital Smile Design combines smile aesthetics and function to improve communication, planning, and the final restorative result.

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The short answer

Digital Smile Design uses digital smile analysis to connect smile aesthetics, oral function, health, and restorative planning.

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Digital Smile Design dental educational illustration

What is Digital Smile Design?

What Digital Smile Design brings together
FocusPurpose
AestheticsPlan the appearance of the smile[2]
Function and healthKeep restorative planning connected to oral function and health[2]

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Reported planning benefits
AreaReported effect
CommunicationImproves communication during care[2]
PlanningCan reduce working time and minimise errors[2]

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How is it used?

Digital smile analysis is used in dental procedures to support communication, treatment planning, and the design of final prosthetic pieces.

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What should you keep in mind?

A smile plan concerns aesthetics as well as function and health, so appearance cannot be separated from complete dental care.

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What can it replace?

Digital Smile Design is a planning approach for restorative dentistry; it does not name one restorative material or one prosthetic treatment.

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What does it change for the patient?

The reported patient-facing value is clearer communication, fewer planning errors, and greater satisfaction with the treatment process.

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Is Digital Smile Design safe?

The approach is intended to support clinically adequate final prosthetic pieces, while the planned care still needs to account for function and health.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Digital Smile Design create the final veneers or crowns?

No. It is a digital planning approach that supports communication and the design of final restorative pieces.

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