In search of the perfect smile
Your smile says it all.
From a speech Dr. Boyajian gave at the Congreso Internacional de Estomatología in Aguascalientes, Mexico, published in Palm Beach Society on May 15, 1998.
“If nature was not generous in giving you the perfect smile, through modern cosmetic dentistry you can improve it dramatically. Simply making teeth whiter does not guarantee a good smile.”
A cautionary word first, in his words: do not be too critical about yourself. The perfect smile is a goal toward which we strive; perfection is rare, but nonetheless a good goal to have.
- 01
Start with the face
Sit with a mirror in good light. The face divides into two halves along a line through the middle of the forehead, the tip of the nose, the middle of the lips and the chin. When you smile with your lips apart, that line should pass between your two front teeth. Dentists call it the midline, and it is the first criterion of a beautiful smile.
- 02
Then the upper six
The two teeth beside the front pair should be identical, on opposite sides of the midline. So should the eye teeth. Look for overlapping, size, harmony and spaces.
- 03
Color, spacing and position
Are the teeth too yellow or brown? Do fillings match? Are there spaces? Do the front teeth push the upper lip out, or lie back so it sinks in?
- 04
Length
The two central teeth should be slightly longer than the ones beside them. Even, worn-looking teeth portray an older smile.
- 05
The lip line
Next to the midline, the lip line matters most. An attractive smile occurs when the upper six teeth barely touch the lower lip. Most of those six should show up to the gum line: a little gum may show, but too much is not pleasing.
Smile self-check
Tick what you notice.
Your list goes straight into an appointment request, so the consultation starts from what matters to you.
Your notes for a consultation
Sit in front of a mirror in good light and smile with your lips apart. Tick anything you notice. As Dr. Boyajian writes, do not be too critical: the perfect smile is a goal, and perfection is rare.
Request a cosmetic consultation
235 Peruvian Avenue, Palm Beach
The first step is a thorough examination.
Request an appointment online, or call the office. The scheduling coordinator confirms every time by phone.