Page 31 - Amazing Smiles

figure 26 Factors that Determine How Your Smile Looks
figure 26b
When teeth are arranged within the golden
proportion, they always appear visually attractive
to the majority of people observing them. Teeth
are arranged in the golden proportion to each
other as well as to other landmarks on the face.
(figure 26) demonstrates how teeth are in a gold-
en proportion to each other and length of teeth
are in a golden proportion to the length of the
upper lip. (figure 26b)

Of course, this is the “ideal” situation in
nature. There will always be personal opinion and
individual taste that allow for uniqueness and
personal style. There are also errors in growth
and development which violates this proportion.
Other times there are other considerations that
limit matching teeth to the golden proportion. It
is, however, to be used as a guiding principle
when creating esthetically beautiful teeth. Suffice
it to say, when the formula is closely adhered to,
the teeth look correct and the smile looks beautiful.
Call it art or call it science, it seems to work.

A basic understanding of dental anatomy will
go a long way in effectively opening the channels
of communication between patient and cosmetic
dentist. A little knowledge of dental basics and
guidelines allows patients to become a part of the
creative process in getting exactly what they
desire and not leaving every cosmetic variation to
the cosmetic dentist, his/her technician, or
chance.

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