Page 28 - Amazing Smiles

CHAPTER TWO figure 21b
figure 21c
Choosing tooth colors can be tricky. Given
the same size teeth, the lighter teeth are, the larger
they will look. If teeth are more pronounced and
forward in the arch form because of an individ-
ual’s specific anatomy, very light colored teeth
should not be chosen. They will not look
attractive. Instead, the color should be toned
down. (figure21b). Similarly, when teeth are nat-
urally very large or very long, very white colors
should be avoided when being restored. On the
contrary, if teeth are small or recessed in the
mouth, lighter colored teeth will make the smile
look better.

If all the teeth are not being corrected, or
restored, remember that the color choosen must
blend in with the other remaining teeth. This
color does not necessarily have to be a perfect
match if the other teeth don’t really show when
smiling. However, they should blend and be in the
same range of color. If you are choosing to
change the look of your front teeth, color will
influence the complexity of your smile makeover.
The lighter the color selected, the more teeth will
have to be changed for the resulting smile to look
attractive. The average smile makeover requires a
minimum of 8-10 maxillary teeth to be cosmeti-
cally improved in order to attain a great looking
smile. If the lower teeth show when you smile 6-
8 teeth may also have to be restored to compli-
ment the look of the new maxillary teeth. If mini-
mal mandibular teeth show when you smile, it
may be enough to just bleach your lower teeth to
make them brighter. (figure 21c)

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