Merging Clear Aligner Therapy With Digital Smile Design to Maximize Esthetics and Minimize Tooth Reduction

Digital smile design (DSD) used in combination with an esthetic pre-evaluative temporary restoration is a reliable means of minimizing the removal of tooth structure when ceramic veneers are being placed. When patients present with poorly aligned teeth, the use of clear aligners may be considered to properly position the teeth based on the desired outcome. This article, which illustrates a method to systematically diagnose, plan, and stage treatment for a smile makeover, describes the merging of DSD with clear aligner therapy to enable clinicians to recognize digitally where to position the teeth using orthodontic movement. This approach allows the desired esthetic design to be attained while enabling minimal tooth reduction.