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Artificial Intelligence Versus Conventional Methods in Digital Smile Designing: An Accuracy Study.
Marwa AbdelHafez1, AbdelRahman Afia2, Omar Shaalan3
1Division of Conservative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Newgiza University, Giza, Egypt.
Summary
Artificial intelligence (AI) software for digital smile design shows acceptable accuracy, with patients satisfied with both AI and conventional methods. Dentists preferred conventional methods for secondary anatomy, indicating AI tools need refinement.
Area of Science:
- Dental Aesthetics
- Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry
- Digital Smile Design
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding AI prioritizing marketing over patient needs in dental applications.
- Evaluating the clinical accuracy and acceptance of AI-driven digital smile designs is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the accuracy and patient/dentist acceptance of AI-generated (Smilefy) versus conventionally created (exoCAD) digital smile designs.
- To assess potential discrepancies in anatomical representation and overall satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- Ten esthetic rehabilitation cases underwent smile design using both AI (Smilefy) and conventional (exoCAD) software.
- Designs were converted to STL, superimposed, and error differences measured using Geomagic.
- Patient and dentist satisfaction were evaluated using visual analogue scales and compared via statistical analysis (ANOVA, t-test).
Main Results:
- AI (Smilefy) demonstrated an average error of 0.29 ± 0.095 mm, showing acceptable accuracy.
- No significant differences in primary/tertiary anatomy or overall dentist satisfaction were observed (p > 0.05).
- Conventional (exoCAD) was preferred for secondary anatomy (p < 0.05), while patient satisfaction was similar for both methods (p > 0.05).
Conclusions:
- AI software (Smilefy) offers promising accuracy for digital smile design.
- While patients were satisfied, dentists noted limitations in secondary anatomy, suggesting areas for AI refinement.
- Further development is needed for AI tools to fully meet both clinician and patient expectations in esthetic dentistry.
