Perceptions in Digital Smile Design: Assessing Laypeople and Dental Professionals' Preferences Using an...

Digital Smile Design (DSD) is used in many fields of dentistry. This prospective observational study assessed laypeople's and dental professionals' perceptions of a DSD application. SmileCloud, an online DSD platform, was used to create two different designs for three patients; after that, the participants, in a 30-question online illustrated survey, were asked about the most attractive design and other features of the smile. Dentists' and laypeople's perceptions about specific DSD features were assessed. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test was used. Descriptive and crosstab analyses compared the respondents' opinions for each statement. Chi-square tests were used to determine the relationship between the questions and any association with age, gender, and profession. The test results were rated as significant at a p-value < 0.05. A total of 520 participants (dental professionals, students, dental technicians, and laypeople) were enrolled. The statistically significant features were self-esteem related to appearance (p = 0.05), facial and smile symmetry (p = 0.42, p < 0.0001), tooth color (p = 0.012), and symmetry of gums (p < 0.001). For each patient, the design with dominant round upper incisors and perfect symmetry was preferred (p < 0.001). Digital pre-visualization benefits diagnosis and enriches treatment planning. The dentist-dental technician-patient team should be involved in the decision-making process of pre-visualization.