What is Digital Smile Design (DSD)?
DSD is the most advanced and latest concept of digital dentistry. The technology is based on the analysis of the patients’ dental proportions. A series of digital photos and videos are taken to study the patients’ face. The smile is then designed uniquely to best suit the face. Before the start of the treatment, the patient approves and agrees with the design. DSD is one of the newest faces of dentistry helping individuals to live with self-esteem in a very judgmental society.
Mock-up procedures are performed before starting the procedure.
Dr. Christian Coachman is the inventor of the Digital Smile Design. Dr. Coachman is a dentist, ceramist and instructor hailing from Sao Paulo, Brazil. He has many renowned international publications on aesthetic dentistry, dental ceramics and implants and oral rehabilitation
Goals of DSD
Smile design
Improving the design of the smile with equal participation from the patient
Communication protocol
Developing an association with the patient and other specialists to create the best possible design
Emotional dentistry
Perceptional value of the treatment is enhanced once a favorable consequence is presented thus upgrading patient value
Technological integration
Using the latest technological advancements available to provide efficient clinical results
Features of the software
The salient features of the software are its measurement tools, design tools, simulation, CAD/CAM software, exporting images in jpg, jpeg, tiff, bmp, gif and png formats, printing designs, importing images and the availability of the software in several different languages besides English. The images can be aligned and calibrated. There are embedded tooth templates in the software that are available in different sizes and shapes. Automatic ratio and measurement calculations with adjustable colour and texture of the tooth are also available.
Benefits of the DSD
DSD is beneficial for both patients and dentists. Patients get an opportunity to get involved in designing their own smile. The expectations can be visualized before proceeding with the treatment. They can play an essential part in the planning of the treatment. For dentists, it is a tool to show the patients a preview of their smile and can explain the several other smile options that can be made available. This way a patient’s realistic expectations can be established. With DSD the dentists can communicate effectively with the dental labs for the planned smile. Due to the various image export and import features of the software, the dental lab is able to visualize the end product better to provide the best possible results.