One of the greatest assets a person can have is a smile that shows beautiful natural teeth. The restoration of a smile is one of the most gratifying services a dentist can render. Improving a patients smile often contribute to improved self image and enhanced self esteem.
SMILE DESIGNING is a process whereby complete oral hard and soft tissues are studied and certain changes are brought about which will have a positive influence on overall esthetics of face.Smile can be
1. Passive
2. Active
3. Laugh.
In passive smile, lips are parted slightly away from the rest position.
In an active smile, the lips move to a significant extent away from the rest position displaying more teeth and even gums.
Laugh is an instant fluctuation from an active smile position leading to maximum exposure of gums and teeth.
A naturally attractive smile that evokes a feeling of beauty is pleasing smile.
Smile line is an imaginary line passing through the incisal edges of upper anterior teeth. It usually coincides or run parallel to inner vermillion border of lower lip.
Negative space is a dark space appearing between the jaws and mouth opening either at the corner of mouth or around the buccal aspect of posterior teeth during active smile and laugh.
Lip and lip lines
Lips – The length, curvature and shape of lips influence the amount of tooth exposure during rest and in function. The ideal location of upper lip height relative to central incisor is at its gingival margin or 1mm above it displaying the interdental papilla.
Lip Line – Upper lip line can be low, medium or high depending on the amount of tooth or gingival display. A smile is “toothy smile” if more than 6mm of incisal display at rest and “gummy smile” if more than 3mm of gingival tissues can be seen at rest.
Lower lip line evaluates the curvature of incisal plane.
