One of the first traits a person will notice is your smile, and it will also leave a lasting impression. Thus, an unflattering set of teeth can leave you feeling less confident and hesitant to show your true personality. There are 11 often overlooked features that factor into a smile’s attractiveness. As you continue reading, a dentist in Melbourne lists and explains them so you can eventually achieve the look you’ve always wanted!
#1 – Tooth Color
If you’re like most people, you desire to have a set of bright-white teeth. However, they can develop a yellowish appearance as you get older. With professional teeth whitening, stains and discoloration can be overcome to leave you with a more youthful and healthy-looking set of ivories.
#2 – Smile Arc
This imaginary line runs from the middle of the teeth (called the central incisors) to those on the side of your mouth. For aesthetic purposes, there should be a slight upward curve, giving your smile a pleasantly flowing appearance.
#3 – Gum Display
The balance between the gum tissue and tooth height contributes to a degree of smile harmony. If the teeth appear short, you’ll have an overly gummy look. Conversely, too little gum tissue can make you look older.
#4 – Gum Color
Typically, healthy gums have a pink color. If they become red, it could be an indication of infection. If you notice any changes in the appearance of your gums, you should immediately schedule a visit with a dentist.
#5 – Maxillary Gum Line
The maxillary gum line is where the upper teeth and gums touch. This imaginary line should be relatively straight and curve around each tooth evenly. If the line doesn’t flow smoothly, the gums can look unhealthy.
#6 – Incisal Edge
The boundary of the upper teeth, the incisal edge cuts into food when you bite. To achieve a healthy and beautiful smile, the imaginary line should curve significantly upward from the central incisors.
#7 – Buccal Corridor
Your teeth should have a sequential and natural flow. A negative empty space (called the buccal corridor) can have a major impact on your smile. For example, if you have a vacated space between your teeth and the corner of your mouth, it can disturb the balance of your smile.
#8 – Cant
Aesthetically, teeth look better when they are straight up and down. When they become tilted, it’s referred to as cant. A slight tilt forward or backward can affect the overall appearance of your smile. From a functional aspect, cant teeth are harder to chew with and clean.
#9 – Spacing
Your teeth are designed to maintain natural spacing. When that is compromised by either crowding or gaps, it interrupts the smile symmetry.
#10 – Overbite
An overbite is when the upper teeth protrude slightly beyond the lower teeth. The imbalance can draw negative attention to your smile and affect its functionality.
#11 – Dental Midline
The dental midline is an imaginary point that helps to create a balanced appearance. To achieve a harmonious image, the line at the center of your smile should align with the middle of your face.
Now that you’re aware of the factors that contribute to an attractive smile, how can you go about making any improvements? The answer is cosmetic dentistry. By scheduling a visit with a local dentist and having an expert plan developed, you can soon experience the bliss of achieving a gorgeous new smile!
About the Author
Dr. Beverly Rose earned her dental degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. She has received additional postgraduate education from the renowned Las Vegas Institute, and she regularly attends clinical seminars through the International Association of Comprehensive Aesthetics. Dr. Rose creates beautiful smiles at Exceptional Dentistry, and she can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through her website.