The diagnostic tracing analysis--visualization by the numbers

Aesthetic treatment planning for dentistry often involves nontraditional methods of extracting information from clinical data. Being able to visualize the final treatment solution accurately in the initial diagnostic stages of treatment planning benefits both the clinician and patient. For the dentist it helps define the final treatment plan, allows for identification of unique nuances of the particular case, and contributes to the ease of fabrication of three dimensional treatment aids. It is also important for the dentist to verify that the patient's expectations of treatment are consistent with clinical reality. This article will describe the diagnostic tracing analysis, a tool that can help the visualization process.