Cosmetic Dentistry Blog - Dr. Tekin

How do you smile? Most of the time, your smile just happens without your consciously thinking about it, and if you do think about it, your smile often turns out looking fake or forced. Since smiling is a reflexive action, we don't generally have control over the shape of our smile, but if you are considering a smile makeover, Dr. Brock Tekin will take that shape into account in determining how best to go about achieving the ideal look for you.

Research into myofacial (muscles of the face) patterns has revealed that there are three main techniques that people use to smile.

The commissure smile or Mona Lisa smile is the most common technique, used by about 2/3 of people. In this smile, the stereotypically upward-turning smile, the corners of the mouth move first, up and outward. Then the levator muscles that control the upper lip pull to raise the upper lip, resulting in a show of primarily the maxillary (upper) teeth.

The cuspid smile is the next most common technique, practiced by about 31 % of the population. In this smile technique, the lip is lifted first, exposing the cuspid teeth, and only after the contraction are the corners of the mouth raised. Normally, people with this type of smile do not raise the corners of their lips as high, and tend to expose more gums than commissure smilers.

The complex smile is the rarest form of smile, showing up in only 2 % of the population. In this smile technique, the upper lips rise, the lower lips descend, and the corners of the mouth rise all at the same time, leading to a rapid display of all front teeth simultaneously.

Your smile technique has a big influence on your smile makeover. Commissure smilers will benefit greatly from porcelain veneers, and, depending on the degree of discoloration or other cosmetic defects, may only need veneers on the maxillary teeth. Cuspid smilers often require gum recontouring in addition to porcelain veneers. People with a complex smile often need not only porcelain veneers and gum recontouring, but may need treatment of more teeth to create the ideal Hollywood smile.

If you are interested in learning more about smile makeovers, porcelain veneers or any other cosmetic dentistry treatment, contact Art of the Smile today for a consultation.