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The Eye of the Beholder: What Makes a Smile Beautiful?

October 27, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — whiteclayteam @ 11:40 pm
Woman shows off smile

People pay attention to other people’s smiles. While everyone wants to be able to smile confidently, some people might wonder what makes some smiles more attractive than others. The human brain is programmed to recognize and evaluate human faces, and it can assess many factors quickly without someone being aware of the process. Here are a few traits that are generally considered beautiful in a smile and what cosmetic dentistry can do to provide them to you.

A Flashy White Color

The color of the teeth might be the first thing people think of when they consider what is beautiful in a smile. Barring certain genetic conditions, human teeth are a slightly yellowish white color. However, plaque buildup and tartar can put more yellow in the smile than is considered optimal or even lead to the development of unsightly brown stains. Habitually consuming foods high in dyes and pigments like coffee, colas, sports drinks, tea, red wine, berries, and fruity candies can cause colored particles to become embedded in the enamel. This can lead to stains and other discolorations.

Luckily, cosmetic dentistry has the problem covered. Your dentist can provide you with a take-home professional teeth whitening kit that is far superior to any similar product you could buy at a store. If that doesn’t work, dental bonding or porcelain veneers can cover up stubborn stains and leave you with that shiny white smile you’ve always dreamed of!

Symmetry

The incisal edge is the edge of the upper front teeth that cuts into food when biting. Ideally, this is a symmetrical line curving upward from the central incisors toward the molars in the back of the mouth. Unfortunately, chips, cracks, or small or misshapen teeth can interrupt this line. Flaws like these can be corrected with treatments like dental bonding, veneers, crowns, or dental implants.

Alignment

Teeth appear more beautiful when they fit together more easily. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, less likely to be damaged, and cause less stress to the jaw. Gaps in the teeth or malocclusions like overbites, underbites, crossbites, or overjets can detract from the appearance of a smile. Luckily, orthodontic treatments such as braces or Invisalign can help bring a smile into a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing alignment. In some cases, porcelain veneers can realign the teeth and fill in gaps without the months-long process that orthodontic treatments require.

While no one standard of judgment can encompass the entire definition of beauty, good oral health always makes for better-looking teeth. Alongside excellent oral care, cosmetic dentistry can do a lot to make smiles brighter and prettier at any age.

About the Practice

White Clay Dental Associates delivers the best dental care available in Newark, DE. With Drs. Donald T. Bond and Timothy D. Ganfield at the helm, the staff builds lasting patient relationships through excellent customer service and memorably outstanding results. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry. To learn more about what cosmetic dentistry can do for you, contact the office online or dial (302) 731-4225.