Smile Designing

The change in dentistry from need-based dentistry to elective dentistry has made a significant impact on the profession and the public perception of dentists. Anecdotal evidence suggests that up to one-half of the dentistry accomplished at this time is elective. Much of this treatment is what could be considered to be esthetic dentistry including bleaching, bonding, veneers, tooth-colored inlays and onlays, non-metallic crowns and fixed prosthesis, orthodontics and surgical procedures, and many other procedures. Proper computerized smile designing as well as communication with the laboratory technician has made the diagnostic wax-up easier as well helped in further education of the patients. The use of all ceramic laminates and veneers enhanced the overall esthetic outcome. Recent advances such as the technique of Digital Smile design are extremely useful tools for patient motivation and interdisciplinary as well as laboratory communication.