Digital Smile Design in Basel: Predictable Aesthetic Planning | Dens Artis

Digital Smile Design (DSD) lets you preview your future smile realistically before treatment. Using digital photography, 3D scans and facial analysis, we plan aesthetics in harmony with your face, expression and personality. In Basel-Stadt, we combine digital analysis, CAD/CAM and (optional) mock-ups to make veneers, crowns and larger reconstructions more predictable and individual.

What is Digital Smile Design (DSD)?

Digital Smile Design (DSD) makes it possible to visualise your future smile before treatment. With digital photos, 3D scans and facial analysis, we plan your dental aesthetics to match your face, expression and personality. This creates a precise design concept that brings together aesthetics, function and biology.

In our practice in Basel-Stadt, we combine digital analysis, CAD/CAM technology and mock-up previews to plan and implement treatments such as veneers, crowns or full reconstructions in a structured, individual way.

Benefits at a glance

• Predict before you decide: Virtual simulation of your new smile—before any treatment starts.

• Personalised aesthetics: Teeth, lips, face and expression aligned as one concept.

• Precise planning: Digital workflow—from analysis to final restoration.

• Communication & control: Patient, dental technician and clinician work from the same target image.

• Minimally invasive: Planning supports tooth-preserving preparation and correct aesthetic proportions.

• Evidence-informed: Studies indicate that DSD can improve satisfaction and predictability.

When is DSD useful?

• Aesthetic optimisation (shape, length, axes, symmetry)

• Front-tooth restorations (veneers/crowns, composite)

• Closing gaps, tooth alignment (aligners), gum line optimisation

• Before larger reconstructions (function and aesthetics)

How Digital Smile Design works (step by step)

Photography & 3D scan

1. Portraits, smile and intraoral photos; precise intraoral scan of the teeth.

2. Analysis & virtual design

   Tooth and facial axes, proportions, smile line. Design of tooth shapes/lengths in software (digital wax-up/CAD).

3. Mock-up in the mouth (optional, recommended)

   Using a template, we transfer the design temporarily onto your teeth. You can check shape, length, phonetics and your smile live in the mirror.

4. Treatment plan & cost transparency

   Options may include minimally invasive veneers/composite, aligners, gum contouring, bleaching, crowns/bridges. We outline step sequence and timeline—optionally with alternatives (more conservative vs more extensive).

   
   

   Materials & tools

   • DSLR photography, 3D intraoral scan, facial analysis

   • Digital wax-up (CAD), silicone/3D templates for the mock-up

   • If needed: bleaching or fine gum contouring before the final restorations

   
   

   Scientific background (PubMed)

   Patient satisfaction & communication

   Digital aesthetic planning can increase patient acceptance and decision confidence; mock-up tests support predictable communication.

   • Coachman C. et al. (2022). J Esthet Restor Dent 34(5): 703–710. PMID: 36047633

   
   

   Precision & function

   Digital smile-design workflows can deliver higher fit and form accuracy than manual wax-ups and integrate well with CAD/CAM and 3D printing.

   • Zitzmann NU. et al. (2021). Clin Oral Investig 25(7): 4223–4232. PMID: 33661418

   
   

   Minimally invasive preparation

   Accurate 3D planning helps avoid unnecessary reduction; preserving enamel supports adhesion and longevity.

   • Gürel G. et al. (2019). J Prosthet Dent 122(4): 365–372. PMID: 30745165

   
   

   Aesthetic parameters

   DSD helps assess proportions and smile lines (e.g., “golden proportion”, “smile arc”) in an objective, interdisciplinary way.

   • Lombardi RE. et al. (2020). Int J Esthet Dent 15(4): 376–390. PMID: 33448049

   
   

   Costs – typical guide ranges (CHF)

   (Individual depending on scope and combination with veneers/crowns; transparent quote provided in Basel in advance)

If you proceed with the definitive plan, part of the fee is often credited—this is clearly shown in the cost plan.

Frequently asked questions

Will I really see my future smile?

Yes—on screen and as a mock-up on your teeth. Minor differences are possible, but direction and proportions are usually very close.

Do I always need a mock-up?

Not necessarily—but it is often the safest decision aid, especially for front teeth.

How long does it take?

First appointment (photos/scan/consultation) approx. 45–60 minutes. Mock-up try-in approx. 30–45 minutes.

Do teeth always need to be prepared afterwards?

Not always. Minimally invasive options are often possible (minimal/no-prep veneers, composite, aligners). We show you different approaches.

Will it work functionally as well?

Yes—DSD also considers bite, guidance and phonetics. If needed, we plan interdisciplinary (aligners/periodontology).

Visionary. Precise. Personal.

With Digital Smile Design, your new smile becomes visible before it is created—structured, individual and evidence-informed.

If you’re curious what your future smile could look like, we’ll show you—digitally, live and personally. Book your Smile Design consultation in Basel for a natural-looking smile that suits you.