Digital Smile Design
Computer-aided planning and visualization for cosmetic dental treatments.
Digital Smile Design (DSD) is a treatment planning protocol that uses digital photography, video, and software to analyze facial and dental proportions and design the ideal smile before any treatment begins. The process captures the patient's face, smile, and teeth from multiple angles, then overlays design parameters onto the images. The DSD workflow includes: facial analysis (midlines, interpupillary line, smile line), dental analysis (tooth proportions, gum line, occlusal plane), digital wax-up design, and creation of a mock-up for patient try-in. This allows patients to 'preview' their new smile and provide feedback before irreversible procedures begin. The digital design guides the laboratory and clinician through every step, improving predictability, communication, and patient satisfaction. Software options include DSD App, Exocad, and 3Shape Smile Design.