Digital Smile Planning uses sophisticated software to create an exact visual preview of your cosmetic results — allowing you to see and approve your new smile before any treatment begins. Using DSLR photography, video analysis, Exocad design software, and physical mockups, Dr. McVety maps out your transformation with the precision of an architect's blueprint.
What Is Digital Smile Planning?
Unlike generic smile templates, Digital Smile Planning evaluates your unique facial reference points — lip line, facial midline, tooth-to-lip ratio, and gum symmetry — using both still images and motion video. Recording how your lips move during speech and natural expressions ensures your new smile looks natural during conversation, not just in photos.
From there, Exocad design tools refine tooth shapes, proportions, and positioning based on aesthetic principles and your facial structure. Physical wax-ups then translate the digital plan into something tangible you can see and feel — confirming comfort, function, and appearance before any irreversible treatment proceeds.
Digital Planning vs. Traditional Methods
Traditional cosmetic planning relies on clinical experience, shade guides, and your verbal input. It typically uses physical impressions, 2D photos, and descriptions of the desired outcome. Even with an experienced team, patients often feel uncertain about the final look and may need more adjustments after treatment.
Digital Smile Planning starts with photography and video analysis, then designs tooth shape and positioning in Exocad. Physical mockups confirm the plan before anything permanent is done. You can review the proposed smile, request changes, and finalize details with complete confidence — before a single tooth is touched.
The Consultation Process
Your Digital Smile Planning journey begins with a comprehensive 90-minute consultation:
1. Initial Assessment — We discuss your aesthetic goals, perform a full oral health evaluation, and review treatment options and timing.
2. Digital Capture Session — High-resolution photography from multiple angles, video of natural expressions and speech, and detailed dental and facial measurements.
3. Design Review — A preliminary design presentation with discussion of timeline and investment, followed by scheduling your design completion appointment.
The design process takes 5–7 business days. You return for a detailed review where modifications can be made in real time until you're completely satisfied.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Digital Smile Planning is most valuable when aesthetics are a primary driver and when you want certainty before committing to permanent changes.
You're a great candidate if you're: • Improving two or more visible front teeth with veneers, crowns, or bonding • Planning a full smile makeover (typically 6+ teeth) • Looking for significant changes in shape, size, symmetry, or brightness • Anxious about permanent changes and want to see results first • Someone who had cosmetic work before and wants a better experience this time
You may not need it if: • You're treating a single tooth with a minor change • Your treatment is routine or primarily health-focused • You prefer a traditional approach and feel comfortable without a preview
Dr. McVety's Qualifications
Dr. McVety has pursued advanced education specifically in smile design workflows and digital cosmetic dentistry:
• Digital Smile Design coursework • Advanced Smile Design Workshop — Spear Education • Kois Center — Advanced digital dentistry training • 500+ hours of aesthetic dentistry continuing education from leading institutions
This depth of training means Dr. McVety guides both the technical planning and the artistic details that make a smile look natural, balanced, and personalized to your face.