What are smile aesthetics?

Smile aesthetics is a multi-faceted process to provide patients with a natural-looking, healthy smile by means of one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures such as lip shaping, teeth whitening, restoration of teeth by means of veneers, crowns and bridges, periodontal treatment and adjustment of tooth length.

Using computer technology, the dentist takes into consideration the overall facial appearance and structure of the teeth, lips and gums to digitally create the ideal smile which can be viewed by the patient before treatment begins.

Treatment with smile aesthetics may include:

• Teeth whitening
• Dental restorations to repair teeth and dental structure
• Dental veneers to reshape and realign teeth
• Dental implants, bridges or dentures to replace missing teeth and restore facial volume and jaw structure
• Treatment of gingival problems or correction of a gummy smile
• Orthodontic correction of crooked or overlapping teeth

Components of smile aesthetics

In addition to correcting the colour and structure of the teeth, there are a number of other factors that a cosmetic dentist will evaluate as part of a smile aesthetics treatment plan:

• Tooth length: Long teeth give the face a more youthful appearance and can provide a slimming effect for the whole face. The wear and tear associated with ageing often results in shorter teeth and a gummy smile can also make the teeth appear shorter. There are also differences in the length of the two front central teeth between men and women. Treatments for shorter teeth include shaping and lengthening the two central front teeth with porcelain veneers or composite bonding, or modification of the gum line.
• Smile line: this is an imaginary line that follows the edges of the upper teeth from side to side, and which should ideally be the same as the curve of the lower lip when smiling. This can be a point of reference to help determine how long the teeth should be.
• Tooth proportions: Generally, an aesthetically pleasing smile is recognised as one in which the two central teeth are dominant and have a width-to-length ratio of 4:5. This proportion can act as a guide to the length and width of the teeth to create a balanced smile line.

Smile aesthetics and ageing

As a person ages, the teeth become abraded and the lower lip may relax and sag. This can result in the teeth in the upper jaw becoming less visible and the teeth in the lower jaw taking prominence.

Smile aesthetics provides all the necessary treatment solutions needed to reverse the effects of ageing and restore an attractive smile.

Smile aesthetics and gender

Since the tooth structure of men and women differs, the treatment methods used in smile aesthetics for each sex also differ. For example, the corners of the teeth in women are characterised by soft curves, whereas they are sharper and more pronounced in men.

Treatment process

Treatment using smile aesthetics in individually-tailored to each patient and the duration of treatment varies accordingly. The treatment process begins with an in-depth consultation addressing the patient’s oral structure and dental health. Treatment is then planned, prioritising any tooth or gingival problems in the first instance.

About the author

Based in Izmir in Turkey, Esteurope is a Hospital Centre with its own state-of-the-art dental clinic, NEW TEETH. Equipped with the latest technology and staffed by an experienced multidisciplinary team, the clinic provides a comprehensive range of high-quality, affordable cosmetic and restorative dentistry services, including smile aesthetics, dental implants, veneers, porcelain crowns and bridges, laser teeth whitening, gingival surgery and gum shaping. Consultations are available at Esteurope’s offices in Mayfair, London.