Frequently Asked Questions

Digital Smile Design is a completely digital  way of looking at a patient.  Using digital technology we can build a transparent 3D view of the patient and see structures and shapes that are not possible with traditional dentistry.  We always start with the face, using intra-oral scans, digital X-rays, face scanning, photography and video and cone beam CT. The result provides an incredible view of the patients concerns and smile potential.

The visual information provides enormous visibility for both patient and dentist, and very high levels of accuracy and predictability.   It’s also comfortable and seamless for the patient as we don’t take impressions any more.

A DSD Dentist will analyze the face first and use digital clues from existing teeth to know what will look best.  We select shapes from a library of natural teeth – scans of beautiful and interesting smiles and adjust these to the patient’s own smile.  Every stage is nature built, rather than made-made perfection. The impact is a smile that is deceptive in its originality and beauty, with the key to beauty its imperfection, looking like a gift from nature rather than a construct

We also use parameters of beauty, added curves and symmetry to enhance the smile.  Nature has no straight lines and often dentistry that looks unnatural will be too linear.

Not at all.  Most patients have a little anxiety about changing their smile.  The DSD MockUp is the key to previewing our design and feeling certain that this is what you want to do, before you commit to any treatment.

It is always reassuring to see other cases that our dentists have done.  We’ll share cases similar to yours so you can see the results we have achieved for others. There is no pressure to proceed in our office – do what feels right for you.  The DSD Patient journey explains the steps involved to help understand that we take a detailed collaborative approach with you sharing input at every step.

The design process is very comfortable.  The use of a camera scanner to build a 3D model is so much better than having a tray full of impression material and waiting for it to set.  Patients who have a strong gag reflex really love that there are no conventional impressions.

Digital records are integral to DSD Planning and are safe. We use lots of cameras – digital, iPhone, intraoral scanning cameras and face scanning software with an iPad.  These are all safe. To get a full 3D view there are times when we need to do a cone beam scan or CBCT.

This is a high resolution X-ray which does have a degree of radiation, like a conventional X-ray.  In dentistry the CBCT is a much lower dose of radiation than a medical CT scan. We only do this when planning very complex reconstructions that involve implant placement, jaw surgery, orthodontic diagnosis  or gum lifts.

We find teeth things of great sculptural beauty and works of art.  They have beautiful shapes, textures, colour variation and most of all no straight lines.  Nature just doesn’t make straight lines. Fake restorations lack curves, movement, or texture that creates light scattering and reflection that allow teeth to look real.  Even very white teeth can look real if shapes are taken from nature. How teeth are arranged in the face is also a way to make them look more natural.

Subtle length changes, tooth proportion and alignment are all things that the DSD design process uses to create true smiles from nature.

Dr Andrea Shepperson became a Digital Smile Design Master in 2013 and has been doing DSD since 2010.  City Dental at Quay Park became a Digital Smile Design Clinic in 2017. This means that the City Dental team is part of a network of dentists globally with a comprehensive view of diagnosis and case planning, both in analogue and digital formats.

It also means Dr Shepperson has access to a global team of experts within hours … some of the best people in the world advancing digital concepts and understanding good design in dentistry.

The initial Digital Smile Design Consultation takes 1 hours 15 minutes.  This allows time to talk about patient concerns and gather the digital data needed to plan a case.

The initial Digital Smile Design Consultation is $199.00. To book a Digital Smile Design Consultation call us on (09) 919 2660 or book online here.

We offer multiple finance options with Q MasterCard and Q Card. You automatically get 3 months no payments and no interest with Q MasterCard or Q Card through the EFTPOS machine. For full priced treatments $300 and over, there’s 18 months interest free.

If you don’t already have a card you can apply for a Q MasterCard at our practice. For more information visit qmastercard.co.nz or call us on (09) 919 2660.

The examination is just over one hour.  We start by understanding the patients needs and desires, and then gather digital records. We can complete a simple 2D simulation to help analyse the smile and provide a starting point for discussion.  The patient usually elects to move to a 3D analysis and mock-up to preview the smile and bite possibilities. This is a transformative appointment where the patient gets to see their new smile in the mouth. The final treatment plan is confirmed at that stage, in collaboration with our patient.

Each design is tailor made to each patient according to their facial and aesthetic features, in total harmony with their face, creating a smile that perfectly reflects the personality of each patient.  The DSD Clinic experience improves outcomes for both the patient and dentist using the technology.

Modern dentistry has so many ways to improve a smile and build confidence. From clear aligners that move teeth, to simple bonding and veneers, implants to restore missing teeth and even natural looking dentures. Every one of these procedures uses Digital Smile Design to plan a smile that is in character with the face and personality.