Applicability of digital smile design aesthetic rehabilitation: literature review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature on the digital planning and diagnosis protocol known as "Digital Smile Design", highlighting its main advantages concerning aesthetic rehabilitation in restorative dentistry. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 60 articles were searched in Pubmed, Scielo, and Bireme databases, using the search terms Dental photography, cosmetic dentistry, treatment protocols. Inclusion criteria were: In vivo studies, systematic reviews and meta-analysis, literature addressing variables under study, language in Portuguese and English, and articles published from 1990 to 2020. Exclusion criteria were: letter to the editor, literature review, and clinical case. RESULTS: DSD is a treatment planning tool used in interdisciplinary aesthetic dentistry to strengthen the diagnostic vision, improve communication between specialists and patient guidance. Smile design refers to the many scientific and artistic principles that, collectively, can create a beautiful smile. These principles are established through data collected from patients as diagnostic models, anamnesis, and measurement of facial proportions. In turn, the aesthetic composition of the smile depends on many points of reference and anatomical parameters for the formation of a harmonious and beautiful set. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the DSD is an important tool to be used for aesthetics rehabilitations in restorative dentistry, since it is an instrument that facilitates the diagnosis, improves communication between the multidisciplinary team and assists in the orientation and motivation of the patient, increasing the predictability of treatments.