Comparative Usability Evaluation of Three Digital Smile Design Software Tools Using the System Usability Scale.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Digital Smile Design software tools facilitates aesthetic planning and improves communication between clinicians, patients, and dental laboratories. These software tools have been developed to support facial and dental analysis and to assist users in creating an ideal smile integrated with the patient's appearance. This study aimed to compare the usability of three DSD software tools-Preteeth AI Pro (version 6.0.0), SmileCloud, and Medit Link (version 3.4.3)-using the System Usability Scale. Methods: Twenty-three prosthodontists and prosthodontics residents evaluated each tool following a standardized usage protocol. After completing Digital Smile Designs in each application, participants filled out a 10-item System Usability Scale questionnaire (score 0-100). Descriptive statistics were calculated, and intergroup comparisons were performed using one-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). Results: Mean System Usability Scale scores were 74.24 (Preteeth AI Pro), 80.33 (SmileCloud), and 73.15 (Medit Link). SmileCloud obtained the highest score (A-grade, Curved Grading Scale), indicating "good to very good" usability. No statistical significances were found between the three software tools (F = 1.04, p = 0.36). Conclusions: All three Digital Smile Design software tools achieved System Usability Scale scores above the usability benchmark of 68, with SmileCloud demonstrating the most favorable user experience. These findings may assist clinicians in selecting intuitive and efficient Digital Smile Design platforms to optimize aesthetic treatment workflows.