Be honest: wouldn’t you like to know what sort of qualities make a smile attractive to humans? So did dental researchers. As you might have guessed, they found that a big component for conventionally beautiful smiles is symmetry.
This post will look at some of the finer details the researchers discovered, as well as examples of cosmetic dental treatments that can help balance out your look. If you’ve been thinking about your teeth’s aesthetics, you definitely won’t want to miss out on this!
Quality #1: Color
It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that the pearly white hue found on so many movie stars is often considered attractive. Dental yellowing caused by the staining pigments in products like coffee and tomato sauce has an aging effect, and can make your smile look tired and worn. To lift this less-than-appealing color from your teeth, ask your dentist about teeth whitening or cosmetic bonding.
Quality #2: Tooth Exposure
How much of your teeth actually show when you grin? You could have the most sparkling pearly whites in the world, but if your gums are overextended to hide their brilliance, they might not come off as blindingly as you’d hoped. With some gentle gum contouring, your cosmetic dentist can push back your gumline so your beautiful teeth can get the spotlight they deserve!
Quality #3: Size and Shape
Teeth that are too small or oddly shaped can throw off your smile’s symmetry, which, according to the researchers, also throws off a first impression. Depending on your case, you may not need extensive dental work to make your pearly whites appear seamless and consistent. By adhering a set of custom-crafted porcelain veneers to the crowd-facing portion of your teeth, your dentist can give your smile the illusion of perfection.
Quality #4: Balanced Negative Space
When it comes to the aesthetics of your teeth, negative space is just as important as it is in painting. To a certain extent, your mouth provides an appealing contrast to your teeth just by virtue of having a darker, open space. Too much can feel out of place or distracting to onlookers, however, and fillings and crowns made from metal amalgams can contribute to this sense of emptiness.
Fortunately, modern materials have made these a thing of the past – nowadays your dentist can create seamless tooth-colored restorations out of high-quality ceramic. They’ll “restore” the fullness of your smile!
Which Treatment Should I Get?
That all depends on your cosmetic goals and the state of your oral health. Fear not, though! Your dentist can take all the guesswork out of your treatment planning during a cosmetic dentistry consultation. As the name suggests, you’ll discuss what you’d like your smile to look like and which solutions can get you there. Consider them your professional dental stylist!
About the Author
Dr. Spiro Saati earned his dental degree from the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine, and is actively involved in multiple prestigious dental societies, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the American Dental Association. He has a high level of experience in dentistry and is proficient in all of the cosmetic dental treatments mentioned in this post! If you’re interested in enhancing your smile, contact Dr. Saati’s office at 978-531-2185.