Cosmetic smile design is the process of transforming a smile into an aesthetically pleasing and functionally perfect smile. Here at our Sarasota dental office, Dr. Michael begins this process by taking a series of dental photos and smile photos along with a complete dental exam and digital x-rays. Dr. Michael then takes the digital smile photos and performs a computerized smile simulation to get an idea of the appropriate shade, shape and size of the teeth in the new smile. The patient is then able to review this computer generated smile before starting a diagnostic wax-up. This is like a blue print for a house, you can change the color of the teeth, make them a little longer, straighten the edges, etc. The next step in the smile design process is a diagnostic wax-up.