A Communication Guide for Orthodontic-Restorative Collaborations: Digital Smile Design Outline Tool

Dent Clin North Am. 2020 Oct;64(4):719-730. doi: 10.1016/j.cden.2020.06.002.

Abstract

Ideally, Orthodontic-Restorative cases are planned alongside from the beginning, however, in some instances the restorative dentist encounters the patient for esthetic evaluation near the end of orthodontic phase. This is a high-stakes evaluation because the decision to remove brackets implies that refinement of tooth positioning cannot occur unless the patient re-enters orthodontic treatment. One challenge in multidisciplinary treatment is accommodating effective communication between providers and employing Digital Smile Design outline tool as a visual aid can help optimizing treatment outcome. This article discusses the importance and steps utilizing digital outline tool to provide quick and effective communication on treatment progress and recommendations.

Keywords: Communication; Digitally-driven smile design outline tool; Multidisciplinary; Orthodontics; Restorative.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Communication
  • Esthetics, Dental*
  • Humans
  • Smiling
  • Tooth*