According to a national survey from the American Dental Association, people rank the smile over eyes, hair, and body as the most attractive physical feature in others. But what exactly makes some smiles appear more attractive than others? Your dentist in Medford shares 11 scientifically proven traits that the brain assesses when looking at a smile — and reveals how cosmetic dentistry can help dental flaws disappear.
#1: Tooth Color
In general, whiter teeth are considered by many to be more attractive. However, over time, teeth can become stained — especially if you regularly drink coffee or eat dark-colored foods like pasta with red sauce. Professional teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, or crowns can all help brighten a yellow or discolored smile.
#2: Gum Color
The color of your gums also plays an important role in the appearance of your smile. Healthy gums should look pink and firm. Red and swollen gums are a sign of gum disease.
#3: Gum Display
Different people show different amounts of their gums when they form a smile. Showing too much of your gums leads to a gummy smile or can make your teeth look small. On the other hand, smiles with too little gum display can look toothy or too old.
#4: Smile Arc
Your smile arc is the line created by the biting edges of your upper teeth along the curvature of the lower lip line. When this arc is present, smiles are considered to be more aesthetically pleasing.
#5: Maxillary Gum Line
The maxillary gum line, which helps define the smile arc, is where your upper teeth and your gums touch. This line should be relatively straight and symmetrical.
#6: Incisal Edge
This is the edge of the upper teeth that you use to bite down when eating. Smiles are typically considered more attractive when this line is symmetrical and curves upward from the front teeth toward the molars in the back of your mouth.
#7: Buccal Corridor
The buccal corridor is the scientific name for the area between your teeth and the corner of your mouth when you smile. Too much space in the buccal corridor can make it seem like you are missing teeth. Too little space, on the other hand, can make your smile look crowded.
#8: Cant
Canted, or tilted, teeth can not only make your smile less attractive but can also lead to difficulty chewing and brushing your teeth. Traditional braces or Invisalign can often correct tilted teeth.
#9: Spacing
While Madonna is famous for her gapped teeth, many people prefer that their teeth are properly spaced. Orthodontics can correct gaps in your smile and other spacing issues.
#10: Overbite
An overbite is when your upper front teeth overlap with your lower front teeth. While most people have at least a little overbite, serious overbites can look unattractive and contribute to temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ).
#11: Dental Midline
Research has shown that both men and women are attracted to facial symmetry. Your smile midline is between the two central incisors. If this midline is moved off to one side or the other, it can make your smile appear less attractive.
How Can You Enhance Your Smile?
How many of the 11 traits of a beautiful smile apply to you? If the answer is “not enough”, talk to a cosmetic dentist in Medford today! There are a variety of ways your dentist can fix dental flaws and help you achieve the beautiful smile of your dreams.
About the Author
Dr. Anthony Giamberardino has over 25 years of experience transforming the appearance of patients’ smiles. He regularly performs a wide range of cosmetic procedures, including porcelain veneers, all-ceramic restorations, tooth-colored fillings, and more. To learn more about how cosmetic dentistry can address dental imperfections, visit the Giamberardino Dental Care website or call (781) 396-3800.