Article:

Computer design software will become the main communication technology between dentists and ceramists and a useful tool for showing patients the possibilities for enhancing their smiles. Despite the modern age of smile design, which enables the use of technology to create and design an ideal smile, ceramists involved with the fabrication process still rely on sound concepts and principles of facial and dentofacial esthetics. By understanding the elements of esthetics and learning how to incorporate technology applications into clinical dentistry, clinicians can predictably plan smile design cases and communicate anticipated results to patients and ceramists alike. This article, the first in a two-part series, introduces elements of smile design and reviews some timeless concepts. It discusses new, step-by step techniques for incorporating digital technology into the smile design process that can be accomplished in approximately three to four minutes. The second article will address tooth anatomy, morphology, and the various laboratory applications for digital design.