Dr. Doyle Freano, a dentist practicing in Lexington, Kentucky since 1982, has seen just about everything in his decades-long career. A longtime Dawson Academy faculty member and past president of its alumni association, Dr. Freano has built his reputation on delivering comprehensive, thoughtful care. But even with years of experience and advanced training, he emphasizes how critical Smile Wizard has become in his practice — both to avoid costly mistakes and to help patients understand the treatment they truly need.
Dr. Freano recalls a patient named Steve, a well-to-do investment banker and an old acquaintance from coaching Little League. Steve came to him frustrated: after paying another dentist for a set of veneers at a bargain price, he experienced multiple debondings, chipped teeth, and even a fractured post and core — all within six months. “Steve was embarrassed, upset, and already thinking about suing his previous dentist,” Dr. Freano explained. “He came to me asking if I just had ‘better glue.’ But I could tell right away this wasn’t a glue problem — it was a bite problem.”
Rather than jumping into repairs, Dr. Freano used Smile Wizard to conduct a thorough evaluation. He took full records, mounted models, and entered all the findings into Smile Wizard. The software walked him through the process step-by-step — from airway and joint health to occlusion, aesthetics, and function — while also creating a clear, professional presentation for Steve.
“This is where Smile Wizard shines,” he said. “It keeps you disciplined, so you don’t skip steps. It shows you and the patient exactly what’s wrong, and it explains it in a way they can understand. By the time we finished the evaluation, Steve saw for himself why his restorations were failing — and he trusted me to fix it.”
Dr. Freano highlights how Smile Wizard serves as a diagnostic tool, a treatment-planning tool, a case presentation tool, and even a legal record. “This case ended up in litigation,” he shared. “Because I had everything documented through Smile Wizard — including the diagnosis, why the previous treatment failed, and what proper treatment required — Steve was able to recover damages and cover the cost of re-treatment.”
One of the biggest benefits, he notes, is how it helps patients buy into the full scope of treatment. “Patients like Steve often want to ‘just fix the front teeth.’ Smile Wizard helps them see that if you don’t fix the underlying occlusion, the problems will keep coming back. It’s not about selling more dentistry — it’s about helping them understand what’s truly required for success.”
Smile Wizard also provides significant value in communication with the dental lab. By following the 2D and 3D checklist in the software, Dr. Freano was able to give his technician precise records, clear photos, and a detailed plan for incisal edge position, proportions, and functional harmony. “Labs love it because they finally get the information they need. You save time, avoid remakes, and get much better results.”
In the end, Dr. Freano was able to restore Steve’s smile properly. The final result was aesthetically pleasing, functionally stable, and still holding strong five years later. “He was thrilled,” Dr. Freano said. “Even though he never cared about having a ‘perfect movie star smile,’ he wanted to look like the best version of himself — and Smile Wizard helped me deliver that.”
For dentists who are hesitant about tackling complex cases or investing in new technology, Dr. Freano offers this advice: “You can absolutely do these kinds of cases — you just need a process to guide you. Smile Wizard simplifies everything. You don’t have to know it all right away. You can start using it tomorrow, and you’ll already be ahead of where you were yesterday.”
Reflecting on his own early career, Dr. Freano is candid: “I’ve made mistakes before, and they’re painful — for you and the patient. Smile Wizard helps you avoid those mistakes, plan cases properly, and build trust with your patients. That confidence is priceless.”
Today, he sees Smile Wizard as indispensable. “It’s not just a piece of software,” he said. “It’s a partner in delivering the kind of care every patient deserves.”