The Smile “Test Drive”: Previewing Your New Smile Before Treatment
One of the most valuable steps in the smile design process is the smile “test drive.” This appointment allows patients to preview their Digital Smile Design directly in their mouth before any final treatment begins. Once the smile is digitally designed, the plan is transferred onto the patient’s teeth so both the doctor and patient can evaluate how the proposed changes look in real life. This helps assess harmony, tooth position, and overall esthetics.
Before the test drive visit, the design is printed on a 3-D model and a matrix is created to replicate it. During the appointment, temporary acrylic is placed over the teeth to simulate the new smile. Photos are taken and reviewed together, allowing patients to clearly visualize the potential result before moving forward with treatment.
The test drive is also a collaborative between the patient and the doctor. Upon reviewing their new smile, patients can let us know if they want adjustments to the length, shape, or size of their teeth so the final design reflects their preferences. If significant modifications are requested, additional test drives can be completed before the final restorative appointment.