Data Fusion: The “Virtual Patient”
A beautiful smile is not created in isolation on a plaster model in a laboratory. It must interact harmoniously with your lips, facial expressions, and overall facial symmetry. To achieve this, we merge three high-precision datasets into a digital 3D model in our practice:
- The RayFace 200 Facial Scanner: Captures your facial features photo realistically in 3D within milliseconds.
- The Intraoral Scanner: Provides a high-resolution, digital image of your teeth, thereby eliminating the need for traditional, unpleasant impression putty.
- CBCT (Orthophos XG 3D): Shows us the “internal architecture,” including bone structures and root positions.
By overlaying this data, we create a virtual twin. This allows us to plan corrections not just for the teeth themselves, but in relation to your entire face.
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Co-Design: You help decide
The most important part of the process takes place at our large consultation monitors: the dialogue. We edit the digital model together with you. You see yourself on the screen, and we can simulate in real-time how different tooth shapes or positions change your appearance.
- Do you prefer a softer, more harmonious look?
- Or do you favor a bold, character-strong front?
We only begin implementation once you are 100% satisfied with the simulation. This shared understanding between doctor and patient is the decisive advantage of our Digital Smile Design.
Why Digital Smile Design is Scientifically Superior
DSD is far more than just a visual simulation. It serves as a precise blueprint for the entire treatment:
- Biomechanical Safety: We plan the new tooth shape to fit your bite and jaw joints perfectly.
- Minimally Invasive: Since the goal is exactly defined, we can preserve as much natural tooth substance as possible. We only remove material where it is absolutely necessary for the planned design.
- Predictability: There are no surprises on the day of placement. The final result corresponds exactly to the digital planning.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Digital Smile Design
“Is Digital Smile Design an extra burden?”
On the contrary. Data collection with RayFace and the intraoral scan takes only a few minutes and is completely painless. It also frequently eliminates the need for unpleasant follow-up appointments for corrections, as the planning is precise from the very beginning.
“Do I still need to wear a physical temporary restoration (mock-up)?”
Thanks to our consistent Digital Smile Design workflow, we can now often dispense with time-consuming physical plastic mock-ups. In the past, temporary overlays had to be fabricated to test the result in the mouth; however, the fusion of facial scans, intraoral scans, and CBCT data allows for such a precise virtual simulation that you can view your new smile photo realistically on your “digital twin” right on the screen. We adjust the shape and position of the teeth digitally until the design and function harmonize perfectly with your facial expressions, entirely without physical intermediate steps in the mouth.
“What if I don’t like the digital design?”
That is exactly the point of the procedure! We can make adjustments on the computer, compare different versions, and refine the design until it meets your expectations, all before we even touch your natural tooth substance.
“Is DSD only suitable for veneers?”
No. We use Digital Smile Design for all aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, from single crowns and bridges to complex dental rehabilitations.
Confidence through Technology
At Dr. Horvath’s, modern dentistry means using advanced technology to give you back control over your smile. Digital Smile Design takes the uncertainty out of aesthetic dentistry and replaces it with anticipation and confidence.
Experience your new smile today. Schedule an appointment for your personal 3D analysis and smile simulation.