A Quality Study on Patients’ Perceptions After Digitally Driven Smile Creation Including Aligners and Minimally Invasive Prosthetic Restorations

Background: Aesthetic dentistry increasingly demands minimally invasive, predictable, and patient-centered solutions. Digital technologies and AI-driven planning tools are now integral to interdisciplinary treatments. Aim: To evaluate, by means of a 16-item questionnaire, patients’ perceptions of smile aesthetics and oral function before and after receiving clear aligner therapy followed by minimally invasive ceramic veneers, using digital planning and Smile Creator software. Materials and Methods: Five adult patients underwent digital smile design, clear aligner therapy, and feldspathic veneer placement. Pre- and post-treatment perceptions of smile aesthetics and function were assessed using a structured questionnaire. AI-based simulation tools (2D and 4 K TruSmile video previews) were incorporated. Paired t-tests were used to compare outcomes before and after treatment. Results: Mean pre-treatment scores were 4.8 for smile aesthetics and 6.6 for function. Post-treatment scores significantly improved to 9.8 (p = 0.001) and 9.4 (p = 0.002), respectively. Patients rated AI-generated smile previews more favorably than 2D designs and acknowledged the value of digital tools in understanding and accepting treatment. Conclusions: The integration of digital and AI-based tools in aesthetic dentistry enhances patient communication, improves predictability, and enables minimally invasive treatment. Patient satisfaction was high, underscoring the effectiveness of the combined orthodontic and prosthetic approach.