From Virtual Smile Design to Guided Wax-up Using Adobe Photoshop

Aim: This technique aim to present a calculation-free method using Adobe Photoshop to apply the principles of facially driven smiles and to generate a wax-up based on measurements obtained from the final smile design. Background: The lack of quantifiable measurements and the subsequent unrealistic expectations that develop can limit the use of virtual smile design or augmented reality applications. Developing a standardized measurement method that guides the laboratory wax-up after virtual smile design may solve this problem and allow many clinicians to utilize it in their day-to-day practice. Technique: This technique article presents an efficient method of utilizing Adobe Photoshop software to create a facially driven smile design, to gather quantifiable measurements, and to fabricate a wax-up based on the digital design. Conclusion: This technique allows the restorative dentist to achieve more predictable esthetic results and provides the laboratory technician with quantifiable measurements that they can use to bring the vision of the dentist to life.