What is the difference between aesthetic dentist and smile design?

One of the most frequently asked questions recently is "What is aesthetic dentistry?" Simply put, aesthetic dentistry aims to create positive changes in a person's teeth and smile to achieve a more attractive appearance. For a long time, dentistry only involved repairing and restoring teeth. In recent years, views have changed significantly and the procedures performed now include many aesthetic treatments. More importantly, aesthetic dentistry involves making changes to the teeth and smile to enhance the overall appearance of the face. Smile design can be mentioned as the name of a procedure within aesthetic dentistry. Aesthetic dentistry is a much broader field. 

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What problems can smile design solve? 

The aim of smile design is to create a positive change in the faces of patients who are not satisfied with their smiles. It guides us in providing a treatment that is suitable for the face in all front area procedures. This concept aims to assist dentists in three ways: - Creating aesthetic planning and smile design - Facilitating communication with necessary specialists for the case - Informing and motivating the patient about the process and expected outcome of the treatment, and involving them in the design of their own smile, ultimately increasing communication. Ideal aesthetic results depend on teamwork and require excellent communication among team members, resulting from an interdisciplinary approach. One aim of digital smile design is to simplify the communication process. As a result, the process of change in the smile should involve considering the patient's desires. We can create different smile designs, each with its own specific character. The key is to discover a design that can be in harmony with the patient's morpho-psychological aspect. The process of digital smile design aims to facilitate communication between the patient and the dentist during the adventure of creating the communication channel. Better visual communication in daily treatment planning, better integration among the team, and better interaction with the patient form the basis of digital smile design. 

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How does the smile design process start? 

The smile design process begins with the patient's clinical examination, panoramic X-ray, and if necessary, a tomography. Then photographs and videos are taken. Afterwards, measurements of the patient are taken either analog or digitally. Now we can start planning. The use of photographs and videos is essential in the aesthetic analysis of the patient's face to better understand the movement of the face, lips, gums, and the relationship between the teeth. Organizing this information with a simple slide presentation software allows the team members to communicate via the internet and enables the patient to test and approve the visual and dynamic presentation offered at the beginning of the treatment. 

 

Which applications are used for smile design?

Simple presentation applications within a computer can be used for smile design. The use of a camera and lighting equipment, such as flashes (para flashes, ring flashes, lateral dual flashes), is common. We must always take analog or digital measurements for planning. 

 

What is the relationship between tooth color and smile design?

So how do we show our planning to the patient in the mouth?

In digital smile design, we use a mock-up for this purpose.

 

What is mock-up? 

It is a full-scale model made for examination, testing, and teaching purposes. We apply our planning to the patient's teeth using a mock-up without any additional procedures (preparation, etc.) in the mouth. This allows the patient to test the final prosthesis in the mouth. We can see important details such as color, shape, and fit. Most of our patients often prefer a natural tooth color. In fact, during the smile design process, we test it with the mock-up we apply. 

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What dental problems can smile design correct?

Smile design is suitable for a wide range of treatments, from the simplest cases to complete cases involving the front teeth. It includes applications such as laminate veneers, crowns, bridge treatments, gummy smile treatments involving changes in the gingival levels, cases in which vertical height is increased, implant treatments, orthognathic treatments involving changes in jaw relationships, and orthodontic treatments. 

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What is the cost of smile design?

When considered as one of the normal steps in treatment, smile design does not involve any additional cost. However, a three-dimensional design can be made at the Digital Planning Center, which incurs a cost of 296.25 euros. 

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 What processes does smile design include? 

The smile design process begins with the patient's clinical examination, panoramic X-ray, and if necessary, a tomography. Then photographs and videos are taken. Afterwards, measurements of the patient are taken either analog or digitally. Now we can start planning. The use of photographs and videos is essential in the aesthetic analysis of the patient's face to better understand the movement of the face, lips, gums, and the relationship between the teeth. 

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Is Smile Design Permanent? 

Smile design is permanent because it begins with a need for a prosthesis for our patient. Is Smile Design a Painful Procedure? Smile design does not involve any pain for the patient. No procedures are performed on the teeth during this planning phase. 

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How is Smile Design Maintained? 

After smile design, when a planned prosthesis is made for the patient, the dentist will provide hygiene education specifically related to the applied prosthesis. Following the dentist's recommendations ensures a healthy oral hygiene. 

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How Does the Preparation Process for Smile Design Happen? 

The preparation process for smile design begins with taking photographs, video recordings, panoramic X-rays, and tomographies of the teeth. Then, it continues with taking analog and digital measurements. 

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Are the Results of Smile Design Immediately Visible?

When we apply Digital Smile Design, we involve our patients in the treatment process in various ways. One of them is the motivating mock-up application, which is an exciting and interactive experience that shows the patient how their new smile will look. This is done by first showing the patient photos and videos with their new teeth on a screen, and then applying a mock-up model over their own teeth. During the smile design process, our patients also become assistant designers; we discuss the proposed treatment and results with them and give them the opportunity to express their ideas. We do not proceed with the treatment until the patient is completely satisfied with the treatment and results.

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What Age Range is Suitable for Smile Design?

Can Aesthetic Dentistry be Applied Only to Young People? Aesthetic dentistry can be applied to all age groups. More conservative and simpler approaches are important for every age group.

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What is the Connection Between Dental Health and Smile Design? 

The smile design protocol contains a lot of data specific to the patient. Information such as how much the teeth are visible during speech, the closest speaking range, and which teeth are used for lateral movements. Is it canine guidance or group function? Important details such as anterior guidance and occlusion are present in the patient's file during smile design. Ultimately, this information enables a much healthier prosthesis. By detecting and taking necessary precautions for many problems before treatment, it is possible to encounter very few problems during treatment. However, with a conventional protocol, 90% of the problems occur during treatment. Like Abraham Lincoln said, "If you give me six hours to chop down a tree, I will spend the first four sharpening the axe." 

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How Long Does it Take to Achieve a Successful Result in Smile Design? 

Smile design is completed within 2-3 working days. 

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What Should I Pay Attention to Before Getting Smile Design Treatment? 

Before smile design, it is important to continue with routine oral hygiene practices. 

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What is Your Experience in Smile Design? 

In aesthetic dentistry, the possibilities are almost endless. Which one is the most suitable for our patient? What should we change? What should we leave the same? What should we improve? Nothing you see here happened in a day. There is a learning process that we practice, work, and develop in and learn every day. We need to learn more every day, practice, and maybe evolve. I am infinitely grateful to Digital Smile Design for introducing me to the "new world" where I can see all the possibilities of aesthetic dentistry and for being a part of the incredible Digital Smile Design Masters team. 

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What Kind of Education and Certificates Do You Have in Smile Design?

To become a Digital Smile Design Master in digital smile design, I completed the DSD RESIDENCY MODULE 2-CLINICAL OVER THE SHOULDER & THE DIGITAL WORKFLOW training in Madrid, Spain on 09.05.2016. Since I apply the complete Digital Smile Design protocol in my patients' treatments, I received the Digital Smile Design Master title on 24.01.2017. I became a Master in Turkey. I am currently representing our country at the annual World Digital Smile Design Masters meeting. 

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What Steps Will We Follow in Smile Design? 

How Long Does the Smile Design Treatment Process Take? The Smile Design procedure begins with the patient's clinical examination, taking panoramic X-rays, and if necessary, tomography. Then, photographs and video recordings are taken. After that, analog or digital measurements are taken. Now, we can start planning. The use of photographs and videos in the aesthetic analysis of the patient's face is essential to better understand the movement of the face, lips, gums, and the relationship between the teeth. Smile design is completed within 2-3 working days. 

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Can You Help with Smile Design Insurance Coverage? 

Smile design is not covered by insurance. However, a planned prosthesis may be covered by insurance. The relevant department in your insurance company will provide more detailed information.

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Can smile design be simulated visually? 

The result of smile design is presented to the patient in a visual presentation. Using a simple slide presentation software, the treatment plan is shown to the patient visually and allows them to test it at the beginning of the treatment. When we apply Digital Smile Design, we involve our patients in various ways in the treatment process. The first of these is the motivating mock-up application, which is an exciting and interactive experience that shows the patient how their new smile will look. This is done by first showing them a photo and videos of their teeth with the new design on a screen, and then with a mock-up model placed over their own teeth. During the smile design process, our patients also become assistant designers; we discuss the proposed treatment and its results with them and give them the opportunity to express their ideas. We do not continue with the treatment until the patient is completely satisfied with it. 

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What kind of support do you offer for emergencies after smile design? 

Smile design often shows patients how big changes can be made with simple applications. Sometimes restoring just one tooth that affects the smile solves the whole problem. We are always there for our patients during emergency treatments.

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What feedback do you have regarding smile design procedures? 

During smile design, we set a goal. Did we achieve the desired goal with the photos and videos we took at the end of the treatment? Sometimes there are changes in the treatment protocol. 

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Did it ultimately lead to achieving the goal? 

The most important feedback for smile design is the treatment outcome photos and videos included in the design protocol. 

 

What are the post-care and examination services after smile design? 

When a planned prosthesis is made for the patient after smile design, the dentist will provide hygiene education related to that applied prosthesis. Healthy oral hygiene is ensured with the dentist's recommendations. The maintenance of the prosthesis is ensured through routine dental check-ups.

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How do you deal with any problems that arise after smile design? 

Sometimes our patients want adjustments to the planning we have done. In that case, we make the necessary changes to the design and apply it to the patient again. Changes during smile design can be easily made and applied to the patient. We don't always apply a completely new shape or color to the patient. Sometimes we only make changes in color. Many problems that may arise during smile design can be eliminated during the design process. 

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Which teeth can undergo smile design? 

Smile design is suitable for a wide range of treatment options, from simple cases involving front teeth to complex cases. It includes applications such as laminate veneers, crowns, bridge treatments, correction of gingival levels in gummy smile treatments, cases where vertical height is increased, implant treatments, orthognathic treatments that change the jaw relationship, and orthodontic treatments. 

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How long does smile design last? 

Smile design allows us to select the best treatment for the patient in terms of physical, biological, and functional aspects. Regular check-ups are essential. With regular checkups, it will remain healthy in the mouth for many years. During regular check-ups, the doctor will tell the patient what they should or should not do. 

 

Who is eligible for smile design? 

It may involve changing or repairing the color of the teeth. Not everyone is born with dazzling teeth, and some people may have stains on their enamel due to certain medications, foods, and beverages. If teeth whitening does not provide the desired result, veneers can be applied. Another aspect is changing the shape and size of the teeth. Gaps between teeth are corrected, very small teeth become normal, or their position can be slightly altered. 

 

Is getting smile design healthy? 

For me, the most interesting thing about cosmetic dentistry is not improving the appearance of a person's smile, but improving their overall quality of life. When you really think about it, your smile has a huge impact on your daily interactions with others. This is true professionally and personally. If you are not confident about the appearance of your teeth, you can appear hostile and unapproachable. It is almost impossible not to understand how detrimental flaws in your teeth or smile can be in terms of selfconfidence and self-esteem. There is no easy way to hide an imperfect smile. Your smile, even at the expense of your teeth, will always be noticed wherever you go and whatever you do. Covering your mouth with your hand draws more attention to this area and can make you feel more self-conscious and unhappy. Every day I meet many people whose lives are negatively affected by imperfect smiles. They often mention that they appear arrogant because they are very concerned about how their teeth look. As I mentioned, an imperfect smile has a broad impact. As an art form, cosmetic dentistry, in my opinion, is a powerful and easy way to enhance your self-esteem and self-confidence. It can make life happier, easier, and more fun in the future. 

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How many sessions does Smile Design take? 

Smile design is applied in 2 sessions. Does Smile Design hurt? Smile design is a comfortable treatment. Are teeth cut during Smile Design? During smile design, teeth are not trimmed. The amount of tooth wear will vary depending on the planned treatment. 

 

Is aesthetic smile design permanent? 

Except for whitening treatment, the procedures are permanent. Composite laminates may cause color change and loss of shine depending on patient hygiene and the composite material used. 

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Is smile design done for everyone?

It can be done to change or repair the color of teeth. Not everyone is born with dazzling teeth, and some may have enamel stains due to certain medications, foods, and beverages. If whitening does not achieve the desired result, veneers can be used. Another aspect is changing the shape and size of the teeth. Gaps between teeth are corrected, very small teeth become normal, or their position can be slightly changed. 

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What should be considered after smile design?

We should continue with routine hygiene checks. How long does Zirconium crown smile design take? First, planning is done, and the treatment is completed within 7 days. How long does smile design last? With regular checks, it will remain healthy in the mouth for many years. During regular check-ups, the doctor will advise the patient on what they should or shouldn't do. 

 

How should aesthetic smile be? 

If there was a single, standard definition of a perfect smile, it would be very easy to achieve. That's why many studies have been conducted to find scientific data behind a perfect smile. Symmetry plays a very important role, which a Cosmetic Dentist should know. In a perfect smile, the smile, facial shape, and the psychosocial aspect of each patient should be in harmony. Interestingly, creating symmetrical teeth is not the answer. They may be symmetrical within the mouth, but they may conflict with the asymmetrical appearance of your face. Therefore, a skillful cosmetic dentist should achieve the accepted aesthetic balance while creating a perfect smile. It is not surprising that numerous analyses are required for perfect aesthetics. The shape and size of the lips, gums, teeth, and face play a role. The perfect harmony of all these is incredibly important. *The width of the smile should be at least half the width of the face. *The upper and lower lips should be symmetric according to the midline. *The upper teeth are dominant, and the lower teeth can be seen in a small amount. This can change with age. *The visible teeth should be straight. *Some discoloration is acceptable, bright white color is great, but it is not as important as thought. Most importantly, a perfect smile should look completely natural. The healthier the gums, the more natural they appear.