What Is Digital Smile Design?
DSD is a treatment planning tool that strengthens a dental provider's diagnostic vision, improves predictability and improves communication between providers and patients. A treatment plan is based on a thorough analysis of your dental and facial proportions. Using videos, photographs and temporary mock-ups, your dentist can get a better sense of how your lips, gums and teeth relate to one another and how they work together to create your smile.
It Is Not Only About Teeth
Along with the physical details, planning looks at the emotional side of a smile too: what you want to feel and express when you smile. These factors can shape the treatment plan, because a smile should look natural on you and feel like yours.
How Smile Planning Works
- Conversation: You tell us what you like and dislike about your smile and what you hope to change.
- Records: We take photographs and videos and look at your facial and dental proportions.
- Design: Your dentist plans the shape, size and position of teeth that suit your face.
- Preview: Temporary mock-ups can help you see and discuss the planned result.
- Treatment plan: Together you choose the treatments that will achieve the result, such as porcelain veneers, bonding, whitening, crowns or Invisalign.
Who Is Smile Planning For?
- Patients who want a more significant change to their smile
- People who need several treatments and want a clear plan before they start
- Anyone who wants to understand how the final result might look
- Those who have been unhappy with past dental work and want a more careful approach
Before Your Visit
- Think about what you like and what you would like to change about your smile.
- Bring photos of smiles you like, or of your own smile when you were happier with it, if you have them.
- Tell us about any previous dental work and any concerns.
- Bring a list of medications, allergies and health conditions.
- Be ready to talk about timing and budget so your plan can be built around them.
After Your Consultation
- You will receive an overview of your recommended plan, along with a free estimate.
- Take your time to review it. Second opinions are welcome.
- Ask about the order and timing of treatment, since some steps, such as whitening, are best done first.
- Call us with any questions before you decide.
What Smile Planning Can Help You Decide
- How much change you want, from subtle to dramatic
- Which treatments will get you there, and in what order
- How the shape and length of your teeth suit your face and lips
- How a planned result compares with doing nothing
- What a realistic budget and timeline look like
Smile Planning and Your Comfort
A bigger smile change can feel like a big decision. Planning gives you time to talk, ask questions and see what is proposed before anything is done to your teeth. We explain each step in plain language, you can pause or change your mind, and we offer laughing gas and sedation options if any treatment makes you anxious.
Costs, Insurance and Payment
We provide free estimates and follow the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. Insurance coverage varies by plan and cosmetic treatment is often not covered, so we explain what to expect before you begin. Instant financing with easy monthly payment plans is available.
Why Choose Heritage Valley Dental?
- Careful planning before treatment
- Every step explained in plain language
- Free estimates and second opinions
- Gentle, anxiety-friendly care with laughing gas and sedation options
- Open seven days a week in South Edmonton
