Eugene Lee • June 29, 2022

Digital Smile Design (DSD) in Seoul | Personalized Cosmetic Smile Makeovers

Digital Smile Design (DSD) in Seoul: Personalized Cosmetic Dentistry

Digital Smile Design (DSD) is a high-tech planning system that maps your ideal smile to your face, lips, and bite—before any treatment begins. Seoul clinics use photos, 3D scans, and software to co-design your results and let you test-drive the new look with a temporary mock-up.

Who Is DSD For?

  • You want natural, face-harmonized veneers or crowns.
  • You’re considering a full or partial smile makeover and want predictability.
  • You need a plan that coordinates orthodontics, gum contouring, and implants.
  • You prefer reviewing options and shade/shape before committing.

What DSD Includes (Korean Clinic Workflow)

  1. Photo & Video Capture – Full-face, profile, and dynamic smile videos.
  2. 3D Intraoral Scan + Bite – Precise digital models (upper/lower) and occlusion.
  3. Facial Analysis – Midline, smile line, tooth display, gingival symmetry.
  4. Digital Design – Tooth shapes and proportions tailored to your features.
  5. Mock-Up / Smile Test-Drive – Printed or milled temporary placed over teeth so you can see and feel the design.
  6. Treatment Plan – Stepwise path (e.g., whitening → contouring → veneers/crowns, or aligners first).
  7. Final Restorations – Minimally invasive preparations, shade matching, high-end ceramics.

Why DSD in Seoul Works So Well

  • Face-first aesthetics: Designs follow Korean standards for soft, balanced lines (not one-size-fits-all).
  • Team approach: Prosthodontists, orthodontists, and periodontists collaborate.
  • Speed + precision: Digital scans, CAD/CAM milling, and guided procedures.
  • Patient control: Approve shapes and brightness before any irreversible steps.

Popular Treatments Paired with DSD

  • Minimal-prep porcelain veneers for shape and color harmony.
  • Ceramic crowns to restore strength and translucency.
  • Gum contouring/bleaching to perfect the frame of the smile.
  • Invisalign/orthodontics to align teeth before ceramics.
  • Implants/bridges to replace missing teeth within the same design plan.

Timeline & What to Expect

  • Day 1–2: Consult, photos/videos, 3D scan.
  • 3–7 days: Digital design + mock-up fabrication.
  • Next visit: Mock-up try-in; adjustments to shape/length.
  • 2–4 weeks (typical): Proceed with whitening/contouring/orthodontics or prep for veneers/crowns.
  • Finals: Delivery of ceramics after lab work and try-ins.

(Exact timing varies by case complexity and whether orthodontics or implants are included.)

Cost Guide in Korea (Typical Ranges)

  • DSD planning + mock-up package: ₩300,000 – ₩800,000
  • Porcelain veneers (per tooth): ₩700,000 – ₩1,200,000
  • Ceramic crowns (per tooth): ₩400,000 – ₩1,000,000
  • Gum contouring (aesthetic zone): ₩300,000 – ₩800,000
  • Whitening (in-office): ₩250,000 – ₩500,000
    Final quotes depend on tooth count, materials, and whether orthodontics/implants are included.

Comfort & Preservation

  • Minimal-prep philosophy: Designs target enamel-preserving preparations.
  • Try-in pastes & provisionals: Confirm color and shape before bonding.
  • Bite-safe finish: Adjusted occlusion and night guard if you clench.

FAQs

Will my teeth be shaved a lot?
DSD aims for conservative prep; many cases are
minimal-prep or involve pre-alignment to reduce drilling.

Can I see the result before treatment?
Yes—
mock-ups let you preview the smile on your own teeth and request tweaks.

How natural can it look?
Designs follow your facial proportions and speech dynamics for subtle,
not over-done results.

How many teeth are typical?
Commonly 6–10 upper front teeth; tailored to your smile width and goals.

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