San Antonio Digital Smile Design
Many of the patients we see have received smile designs that they were never happy with and now want re-done. Either from lack of skills on the part of the dentist who did the work or from poor communication, the final result was not what the patients envisioned or wanted. Digital Smile Design provides precision, prevents miscommunication, and ensures you receive a smile that you’ll love. You’ll actually be able to try on your smile design before any work is done on your teeth.
What Is Digital Smile Design?
Digital Smile Design is technology used to create a smile that is in harmony with your oral anatomy and symmetrical with your facial features. Your smile makeover will be designed based on the following factors:
- Dental and facial midline
- Facial aesthetics
- Facial symmetry
- Your bite
How Does It Work?
Digital Smile Design includes information gathering, analysis, a mock-up, and a treatment plan to help us achieve your ideal smile.
Information gathering
After an examination, Dr. Imam will listen closely as you explain what you like about your current smile and how you want to improve it. They will explain your cosmetic dentistry options, the Digital Smile Design (DSD) process, and the approximate treatment costs. If you choose DSD as part of your treatment, Dr. Imam will complete following steps:
- Take a series of photos of your face and teeth
- Take digital impressions of your teeth and bite with an intraoral scanner
- Electronically transfer the information gathered to the Digital Smile Design laboratory to create a proposed smile design
Analysis
Dr. Imam will receive a digital file from the DSD laboratory that includes the proposed smile makeover. He will proceed with the following steps:
- Closely analyze your proposed smile design
- Request any adjustments needed by the lab
- Review any adjustments and approve the final design
Mock-up
After the final design is approved, Dr. Imam will receive a 3D printed model (from the DSD lab) of your perfect smile. The 3D model will be used to create a mock-up of the proposed perfect contour of your teeth, which you’ll actually try on.
- The 3D printed model will be used as a mold for creating your temporary smile makeover.
- When the mock-up is ready, you’ll come to our office to try it on. A tray will be placed over your teeth for a few minutes, and when it’s removed, the mock-up will be in place.
- We’ll give you time to look at the mock-up and see how it beautifully and perfectly enhances your teeth, smile, and facial features.
Most patients immediately love the way the mock-up looks and feels and are ready to start treatment. But if you have any hesitation about your temporary smile makeover, Dr. Imam will make the needed adjustments or work with the lab to ensure you receive exactly the smile you want. Only after your approval of the smile design will we prepare your teeth for treatment.
The photos below show the progression of Digital Smile Design and how it helps create a beautiful smile that is uniquely yours.

THE PHOTO SET
We start with digital photographs of your existing smile.

ANALYSIS
The proportions and shapes of your teeth are analyzed as we implement the changes you want to your smile.

THE PLAN
The shapes and color are then manipulated digitally to get the best result.

MOTIVATIONAL MOCK-UP
Before any irreversible work is done on your teeth, you’ll try on a mock-up of your smile to see how it looks and feels.

NEW SMILE
You’ll receive the smile design you loved and approved, and your teeth will be perfectly shaped.
Treatment Plan
Dr. Imam will explain what dental treatment will help you achieve the smile of your dreams. One or more cosmetic procedures might be recommended. At My Smile Artist, we offer comprehensive cosmetic and restorative treatment, including:
- Dental crowns
- Dental implants
- Gum contouring
- Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign
- Porcelain veneers
- Teeth whitening
Interested in Digital Smile Design?
Dr. Imam is a cosmetic dentist. He has advanced training in the techniques and tools required to create beautiful smiles. And he is an artist who guarantees that you will love your new smile.
If you are interested in a healthy, natural-looking smile transformation, contact us to request an appointment for an exam. Dr. Imam will explain your treatment options and the Digital Smile Design process. Call us to schedule or complete our Request an Appointment form.
For a free consultation, visit our virtual smile consult page and follow the steps to get started.
“I went in for a consultation and examination and was very pleased with how helpful Dr. Imam and his staff were. Dr. Imam exceeded my expectations in explaining my options and helping me achieve the smile I have been longing for.” – Vanessa Wiatrek