The Smile Design and Space (SDS) concept
Innovative full-mouth reconstruction to enhance oral health and biomechanics
Living life with a truly optimised smile is about more than just beautiful teeth. The Smile Design and Space (SDS) concept takes a broader view—considering your entire head anatomy, including jaw alignment, facial structure, and lip mobility—to achieve a harmonious balance of aesthetics, functionality, and health. This holistic approach integrates advanced dental techniques to craft smiles that are not only stunning and natural but also built for lasting comfort and performance.
Source: Łukasz Lassmann, SDS Concept
What is the SDS concept?
The SDS approach is about ensuring your anatomy has the space it needs where it matters most. This groundbreaking method optimises the vertical space between the upper and lower jaws when you bite. That space is known as vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO), and it is vital to proper oral function, long-term dental health, and overall comfort.
Unlike traditional tooth-centric methods which have a narrower focus, the SDS concept takes a facially driven treatment approach. It carefully evaluates the unique relationships between facial features, teeth, and jaw alignment to create a tailored plan that enhances aesthetics and functionality. By addressing the limitations of conventional VDO adjustments, the SDS concept minimises invasiveness while delivering exceptional, patient-specific results. This innovative method prioritises comfort, balance, and a natural appearance, offering a holistic solution for full-mouth restoration.
How does the SDS concept work?
The SDS concept follows a meticulous, structured approach that integrates precise assessments with advanced dental techniques, delivering consistently optimal results. Here’s how it works:
Evaluating the maxillary central incisors
The upper front teeth—or maxillary central incisors—are carefully assessed for their position and visibility in relation to the upper lip, both at rest and during a full smile. This step is crucial for determining the ideal incisal edge position, which significantly influences the harmony and natural appearance of the smile.
Source: Łukasz Lassmann, SDS Concept, Upper incisal position and visibility
Considering lip mobility
Each patient’s lip mobility is analysed, as it impacts how much of the teeth and gums are visible when smiling. Special attention is given to patients with gingival exposure (a “gummy smile”) to ensure a balanced and aesthetically pleasing result.
Source: Łukasz Lassmann, SDS Concept, Virtual planning for the vertical dimension of occlusion adjustments
Strategic adjustments to the bite height
The SDS concept uses a systematic formula that accounts for dental relationships, wear patterns, and individual needs to determine precise alterations to the vertical dimension of occlusion. These adjustments are carefully calibrated to enhance both the functional dynamics of the bite and the overall aesthetic outcome.
Source: Łukasz Lassmann, SDS Concept, Determining the ideal start and end points for central incisor placement
Integrating these steps, the SDS concept delivers a personalised approach to full-mouth reconstruction that emphasises harmony, functionality, and minimal invasiveness. This meticulous process ensures lasting results that blend seamlessly with each patient’s unique features.
Benefits of the SDS concept
The SDS concept provides several compelling advantages compared to traditional methods of full-mouth reconstruction:
Minimal invasiveness: By preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible, the SDS concept reduces the need for extensive preparation or irreversible changes, ensuring a conservative yet effective treatment approach.
Enhanced aesthetics: The SDS concept integrates dental and facial features to create a balanced, natural-looking smile that complements the patient’s unique appearance.
Improved functionality: Proper alignment and bite are prioritised, reducing the risk of jaw discomfort, uneven wear, or compromised chewing efficiency.
Predictable outcomes: The systematic and patient-focused methodology enhances the reliability of the treatment, leading to consistent, high-quality results and a higher rate of long-term success.
Why is the SDS concept significant?
The SDS concept represents a paradigm shift in dental care, emphasising highly individualised treatment plans. By tailoring the approach to each patient’s unique aesthetic and functional needs, the SDS concept ensures outcomes that are not only visually stunning but also durable and comfortable over the long term. This focus on personalisation enhances patient satisfaction and the overall success of full-mouth reconstructions.
Who can benefit from the SDS concept?
The SDS concept is particularly beneficial for individuals considering full-mouth reconstruction to address complex dental issues such as:
Severe tooth wear: Restoring the original structure and function of heavily worn teeth.
Misalignment: Correcting bite issues to improve chewing efficiency and comfort.
Gummy smile: Balancing the visibility of teeth and gums for an aesthetically pleasing result.
The SDS concept combines aesthetics with functionality, providing a comprehensive solution for patients seeking transformative dental care. This innovative approach makes it possible to achieve a healthy, balanced, and naturally beautiful smile tailored to each individual’s unique characteristics.
Exceptional whole-mouth restorations
The SDS concept goes far beyond the basics of dentistry to provide precise, lasting results for your entire oral anatomy, including jaw, teeth, gums and lips. This powerful framework balances aesthetics with functionality, to create customised treatment plans that truly meet each patient’s needs in a genuinely comprehensive manner.
For those undergoing full-mouth reconstruction, achieving a beautiful and healthy smile is non-negotiable. For these patients, the SDS approach delivers predictable outcomes with confidence. Support your long-term oral health and optimise your bite biomechanics by asking your dental professional about the SDS concept.
Lassmann, Ł., Calamita, M. A., & Blatz, M. B. (2024). The “Smile Design and Space” concept for altering vertical dimension of occlusion and esthetic restorative material selection. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry: Official Publication of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, 10. https://doi.org/10.1111/jerd.13317
Lassmann, Ł. (2024). SDS concept [Facebook post]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15eKDmRJk3/