Introduction: Digital Smile Design (DSD) is a multifunctional tool that can assist the
dental team in treatment, enhance the understanding of aesthetics, improve
communication, and increase patient acceptance of the final restoration. The adoption of
the DSD protocol can contribute to more effective diagnostics and more consistent
treatment. The use of DSD aims for logical and clearly defined objectives, which saves
time, materials, and reduces treatment costs (Coachman, Calamita, 2012). Purpose: The
purpose of this thesis is to present the Digital Smile Design (DSD) technology, which
allows for the virtual design of an ideal dental solution for the patient based on a facial
photograph prior to treatment in aesthetic dentistry. Using DSD technology, we designed
an aesthetic dental solution for the patient in connection with CAD/CAM technology and
evaluated the advantages offered by DSD—namely, interdisciplinary communication,
communication with the patient, aesthetic diagnosis, and patient motivation. Methods: Our
research is based on the descriptive method. The main source of information is
professional literature published in scientific and professional journals and books. We
searched for literature using the COBISS bibliographic system, specifically in the libraries
of the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Faculty of Medicine, and the Central Technical
Library in Ljubljana. We also searched for electronic articles in databases such as PubMed,
Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and ScienceDirect. The literature covers the period from
2000 to 2024 and includes both domestic and international works (in English and Spanish).
Results: In the results, we presented the application of Digital Smile Design technology in
modern dental practice and demonstrated the creation of an aesthetic plan using a
photograph of a patient. This plan was then used in the process of digital modeling and was
supported with visual materials. Discussion and conclusion: We found that many
professional articles from everyday practice emphasize the importance of aesthetic
planning with DSD in aesthetic dentistry, as its use in dental practice is simple and fast.
DSD is not merely an aesthetic procedure, but it also promotes interdisciplinary
communication between the entire dental team and the patient. It is beneficial in laboratory
procedures, reduces errors in clinical implementation, and enables both the patient and the
entire therapeutic team to focus on a shared goal—the creation of a harmonious and
functional smile that aligns with the individual’s natural characteristics. This approach not
only improves treatment outcomes but also increases patient trust and satisfaction, as
involvement in the decision-making process is crucial for managing expectations and
achieving optimal results. Lastly, the visualization of the final result is a powerful tool for
motivating the patient.
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