DSDapp use for multidisciplinary esthetic planning

Digital smile design (DSD) is useful in planning multidisciplinary esthetic treatments. However, DSD requires clinician training and skill to ensure its effective use. The Digital smile design application (DSDapp) was recently developed, to facilitate such planning. The objective of this study was to illustrate the use of the DSDapp for esthetic planning in a clinical case that included periodontal plastic surgery and ceramic laminate veneers.

An intraoral digital scan was performed, and a photograph was obtained using an iPad (frontal facial full smile). The images were analyzed using the DSDapp. All reference lines were inserted, and dental shapes predetermined by the app were superimposed on the photographs. A digital diagnostic wax-up was performed considering the plan created in the DSDapp. After 3D printing the wax-up, a mock-up transferred the planning to the oral cavity. Following this, the patient was referred to a periodontist for the periodontal plastic surgery. After the healing period, the teeth were prepared for computer-aided design/computer-aided modeling lithium disilicate ceramic laminate veneers.

DSDapp use accelerated the initial planning steps. Smile planning can be performed during the clinical session with the patient's active participation. In addition, the DSDapp facilitated better communication within the multidisciplinary team.

The DSDapp relies more on intuition than on skill and training to execute the treatment plan. The DSDapp provides immediate feedback to the patient, offering greater predictability and helps monitor the planning through all the clinical stages.