For a smile to be truly beautiful, it must be genuine; there is nothing attractive about a lack of sincerity! But beyond that, there are some important physical traits that can determine whether your smile is viewed as beautiful. This blog post lists some of those traits and suggests cosmetic treatments that can help you to address aesthetic imperfections.
Tooth Color
Teeth that are noticeably yellow or even brown are generally viewed as unattractive, especially if they are the result of smoking or other unhealthy habits. In contrast, most people would agree that teeth should be white but not too white. A very light yellowish-white looks both natural and attractive.
If you dislike the color of your teeth, you might be a candidate for professional teeth whitening. Or, if you have particularly stubborn types of discoloration, you might choose to get veneers.
Tooth Shape
A conventionally attractive smile consists of symmetrical teeth that are neither too small nor too big. The teeth should be free of obvious imperfections, such as chips. They should also not be misshapen due to injuries or bad habits like teeth grinding.
If your teeth are misshapen, your cosmetic dentist might suggest that you get crowns or veneers to improve their appearance. Crowns could even help to improve your bite and overall dental function.
Tooth Positioning
If your teeth are crooked, rotated, or have large gaps between them, that can have a big impact on the way your smile looks. Some types of dental misalignment can even make your jaw and chin look unusually prominent or small. Orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign or braces, can help to bring both your teeth and jaws into proper alignment.
Your Gumline
Just a few millimeters of gum tissue should be visible when you smile. If more than that is visible, you have what is commonly known as a “gummy smile.” Your teeth may also look unusually short. A minimally invasive procedure known as gum recontouring may be able to improve the proportions of your smile.
On the other hand, if your teeth look abnormally long due to gum recession, you might need a tissue graft to cover your exposed tooth roots, improve your oral health, and enhance your smile’s appearance.
Are you happy with the way your smile looks? If you believe that some changes are in order, a skilled cosmetic dentist can help!
Meet the Practice
Drs. Austin Lee and Lea Hachem are proud to offer a broad range of cosmetic and restorative services for San Antonio patients, including veneers, teeth whitening, gum contouring, and more. If you are interested in improving the way your teeth look or function, our team is ready to consult with you. Contact Orbis Dental Group at 210-496-1919.