Perceptions in Digital Smile Design: Assessing Laypeople and Dental Professionals’ Preferences Using an Artificial-Intelligence-Based Application

Abstract

Digital Smile Design (DSD) is used in many fields of dentistry. This prospective observational study assessed laypeople’s and dental professionals’ perceptions of a DSD application. SmileCloud, an online DSD platform, was used to create two different designs for three patients; after that, the participants, in a 30-question online illustrated survey, were asked about the most attractive design and other features of the smile. Dentists’ and laypeople’s perceptions about specific DSD features were assessed. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov normality test was used. Descriptive and crosstab analyses compared the respondents’ opinions for each statement. Chi-square tests were used to determine the relationship between the questions and any association with age, gender, and profession. The test results were rated as significant at a p-value p = 0.05), facial and smile symmetry (p = 0.42, p p = 0.012), and symmetry of gums (p p < 0.001). Digital pre-visualization benefits diagnosis and enriches treatment planning. The dentist–dental technician–patient team should be involved in the decision-making process of pre-visualization.

Keywords

• Digital Smile Design
• artificial intelligence
• digital smile planning
• dental software
• prosthetic dentistry
• prosthodontics