Smile architecture: beyond smile design

Successful cosmetic dental treatment is both functional and aesthetic. It requires evaluation of a patient's expectations, diagnosis of pre-existing problems and careful planning of treatment to eliminate or control the causes of existing conditions. The use of mounted diagnostic casts and a diagnostic wax-up allows visualization of the expected result. Provisional restorations offer a "dress rehearsal" to preview functional and aesthetic results before completion of the final restorations. The term "smile architecture" is used to describe the process that guides a patient and dentist from initial complaint through to final case acceptance.