Digital smile design helps discuss appearance, while CAD/CAM assists the design and manufacture of restorations. A screen preview cannot guarantee the final result or replace examination of teeth, gums and bite.
Compare at a glance
Digital records, design and manufacture
Stage
What is it used for?
What does it not establish on its own?
Photographs and preview
Discussing appearance and expectations
Gum health or a guaranteed final result
Digital scan
Recording three-dimensional tooth surfaces
Every tooth’s internal condition or all treatment needs
CAD/CAM
Designing and making a suitable restoration
Guaranteed fit or completion in one day
From an on-screen design to a clinical try-in
Changing tooth shapes on a photograph may create a visual sketch only. An intraoral scan records three-dimensional surfaces; these records do not provide the same information. Ask what the design is based on and how it informs the treatment decision. The name of a device is not, by itself, a reason to recommend a procedure.
If a try-in is available, assess more than the photograph: explain how speaking, relaxed lip position and closing your teeth feel. Raise concerns about colour, length or speech before irreversible preparation. Digital treatment does not necessarily mean no tooth reduction, completion in one appointment or freedom from future maintenance. When travelling, allow time for discussing and checking changes before final approval.
What does a digital smile preview show?
Photos and digital records can help discuss proposed changes in appearance. A preview supports communication but cannot fully predict gum healing, how a material will look in the mouth or the long-term result.
Where does CAD/CAM fit?
CAD refers to computer-aided design and CAM to manufacturing. Suitable restorations can be designed and produced from scan or impression data. Using the technology alone does not mean error-free fit or completion on the same day.
Why is examination still necessary?
Decay, gum health, remaining tooth structure and bite cannot be resolved through a visual design. Necessary care and tissues to preserve must be identified first. The technique, laboratory work and fitting stages follow the clinical findings.
Questions before deciding
Which changes does the preview represent? How much tooth preparation is proposed? How will a temporary trial or fitting be assessed? Ask about differences between the image and the likely real result, and circumstances that could change the plan.
