Footprints to achieve digital smile design and esthetic: Narrative review

Abstract

The Digital Smile Design (DSD) is a multi-use conceptual tool that will strengthen diagnostic vision, improve communication, and enhance predictability throughout the treatment. It allows for a thorough analysis of the patient's facial and dental characteristics, as well as any potential issues that may be identified during clinical examination, photography, digital impression, or diagnostic cast evaluation procedures. Drawing the reference lines and shapes over the extraoral-intraoral digital photographs in a predetermined sequence can widen the diagnostic visualization. The DSD helps the restorative dental team evaluate a given case's risk factors and limitations, including any disharmonies, asymmetries, and violations of esthetic principles.