Smile Makeover - Is it right for you?

(First published in Post Magazine - January 2007)

What makes a smile attractive? Is it colour, shape or size? Apart from the most common whitening procedures that can improve colour, there are a few key principles which contribute to an attractive smile.

Here is a simple S.M.I.L.E. formula to analyze how your smile measures up:

1. Symmetry

A good smile should be symmetrical, meaning the left and the right sides are balanced. The gum 

line should also be seen.

2. Midline

The midlines of the upper and lower teeth should match the centre line of the face.

3. Inclination and alignment

The alignment of the upper front teeth should be uniform and even. They should be straight and 

without rotations, spaces or crowding.

4. Lip line

The upper lip location will determine how much teeth show in your smile window. Your lipline 

should not show too much gum tissues. When the lip line is high and too much gums show, this 

is what we call a “gummy smile”. On the other hand, when you smile and very little teeth show, 

you may appear to be aging prematurely.

5. Edge

The finishing edge of the upper teeth should follow the lower lip line, curve upward and level 

with your eyes.

A dentist who cares about teeth aesthetic results considers both form and function. If you are not happy with your smile, why not get a thorough Smile Evaluation with a professional? Your dentist can discuss different options with the latest advanced cosmetic techniques. You can get the dream smile you want by finding out how porcelain veneers, crowns, braces or even full smile rejuvenation can change your smile and change your life.

- Dr. Shirley Cheong