5 Important Factors that Can Make or Break Your Smile

Your smile can say a lot about you. It shows how well you take care of yourself or if you’re happy. Sometimes, it even suggests that you are open to meeting new people. Your cosmetic dentist in San Marco can help give you a smile that makes you feel more attractive, but what really makes a smile beautiful? Keep reading to learn about 5 key factors the brain uses to consider a grin appealing.

Tooth Color

When you smile, the color of your teeth is usually the first thing others notice. The whiter your teeth are, the more attractive it’s considered. The only exception is if your teeth are too white. Having a “mega-watt” smile is one thing, but if you over-whiten your teeth, two things can happen:

1. Your teeth could end up looking artificial, which is not considered attractive.

2. Bleaching products can actually cause your teeth to turn light blue!

Gaps

For some people, gaps that don’t disrupt the symmetric placement of their teeth can give character and even make their smile beautiful. For others, gaps can cause teeth to appear crooked. Luckily, cosmetic dentistry treatments like dental bonding or Invisalign aligners can minimize or close the spaces between teeth.

Tooth Shape and Placement

As many of us know, straight teeth are typically considered more attractive than crooked teeth. Sometimes, your teeth can become misshapen or grow on top of each other. This can be a result of overcrowding, but it can also be based on genetic traits. No matter the cause, there are a few options to resolve this issue. Orthodontic options include braces or MTM aligners. Other cosmetic choices include porcelain veneers or dental bonding, which gives results much faster than orthodontics, but can be more invasive.

Gums

The display and color of your gums can determine whether your smile will appear attractive. If too much of your gums show when you smile, it can cause the focus to be on them rather than your teeth. If your gums have started to recede, this can make straight teeth look crooked or cause your smile appear unhealthy. The good news is that your dentist can help treat your gum disease and get your smile healthy again with periodontal therapy. Another option to fix receding gums or a “gummy” smile is gum contouring.

Tooth Position

A symmetrical smile, which means your teeth line up perfectly, is typically considered most attractive. An overbite is when your top jaw noticeably overlaps your lower jaw, and an underbite is when your bottom teeth extend past your upper teeth. Both overbites and underbites are typically considered unattractive traits, but both can be corrected with braces, MTM clear aligners, or oral surgery. Your dentist will take an X-ray to help determine which option is best for you.

While all of these attributes can affect whether someone is considered beautiful or unattractive, it’s important to remember that beauty rests in the eye of the beholder. The most important thing is to make sure your mouth is healthy. But if you decide that you’d like to improve the appearance of your smile, your dentist in San Marco can help you achieve one that shows you are as healthy and happy as you feel.

About the Author

Dr. Sol Brotman, a master of the Academy of General Dentistry, and his team of dentists offer a wide range of dental treatments, including cosmetic dentistry, periodontal therapy, and both TMJ/TMD therapy. If you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist to reshape your smile, visit their website or contact the office at (904) 396-4091 for more information.