Aesthetic-cosmetic and restorative dentistry restores and improves the health and integrity of the dentition by transforming a less-than-perfect dentition into a stunning smile and can improve the patient’s self-image.

Effective aesthetic-cosmetic treatments must be built on a foundation of healthy gums and teeth. Because of this, some patients may require general or restorative dental treatment before proceeding with a smile makeover.

 

In order to achieve success of the outcome, close attention must be pid to many details.

In addition to the tooth shade, dental alignment and balance in the aesthetic zone of your smile, various properties must be evaluated when planning a smile makeover.

 

Aesthetic components of a smile makeover:

• Tooth length: longer teeth give a person a more youthful appearance, while short teeth and a “gummy smile” reflect an older appearance; in turn, a square tooth shape with a round face can create a “slimmer” appearance.

• Smile line: ideal when the incisal edge of the upper teeth is parallel to the upper edge of the lower lip; and the lower edge of the lower lip should have the same line as the gums of the lower jaw teeth.

• Tooth proportions: it is desirable to create a pleasing smile with the “golden proportions” by giving the two incisors a dominant shape with a 4-to-5 width-height ratio. These proportions are also the guide for the width-height proportions of the neighbouring teeth in the aesthetic zone to give a balanced smile.

• Tooth texture and characterisation: a more feminine shape is created by soft, oval or round tooth shapes, while a more masculine appearance is represented by larger and square tooth shapes.

• Colour: the upper incisors are the lightest teeth in the dentition; the canines are the darkest; and the premolars (teeth after the canines) are almost the same colour as the incisors.

• Teeth angulation: the teeth should have a symmetrical appearance in the anterior region and a balanced one in the posterior region.

• Propper occlusion: exists in the relationship between the upper (maxillary) and lower (mandibular) teeth when they come into contact when you bite.

• Incisal edge position: apart from serving an important aesthetic function, the incisal edge position is vital to proper function, in addition to speech (i.e. “F” – “S” – “V” sounds).

• Gum (gingival) tissue: the gums should be healthy; in the "ideal" smile, no more than 3 mm of gum should be visible between the neck of the tooth and the upper lip.

• Buccal corridor: the dark space visible between the corners of the mouth and the upper teeth; individuals with fairly small buccal corridors (broader smile) are considered to have “more attractive smiles”.

• Emergence profile: is the angle at which the tooth emerges from the gums (when viewed from the side); it provides lip and cheek support; in a larger arc, it prevents a caved-in look to the face, giving youthful and attractive appearance.

 

Harmony can often be achieved by treating just some of the incisors, the key players in the smile zone, by enhancing their length, width, shape, and alignment. The anterior gingival margin contour, height, symmetry and embrasure shape in the smile zone is responsible for a dazzling facial expression and a spectacular smile. Periodontal recontouring can be easily achieved with the LASER, improving the appearance of the teeth and the overall smile.