Categories: Smile Makeover

Adjusting the Smile Line in Your Smile Makeover

A complete smile makeover can restore self-confidence and a healthy grin in those who have missing or damaged teeth. Dental implants, braces and dentures can replace gaps in a smile or straighten crooked teeth in people of almost any age. However, before patients take steps to restore their smiles, it can be important to understand the importance of the smile line and how it relates to the specific procedure recommended by a dentist.

What is a smile line?

A smile line is the line the lips create across the teeth and gums when a person smiles. When individuals see a dentist who performs smile restorations, measurements of the lip and smile line will usually be included in the preparatory stages of treatment. During this measurement, a dentist evaluates the position of the lip line, located on the lower half of the upper lip, and then assesses how that portion of the lip moves during a smile. Proper measurement can be especially vital for those receiving dental implants, as the smile line must align evenly with any new teeth to create a smile that looks natural and attractive.

What are the challenges of measuring a smile line?

All smiles have unique characteristics, which can cause challenges for the dentists who work to repair them. When patients first opt to undergo a smile makeover, the attending dentist will likely consider a variety of components, including

  • Gum exposure during a normal smile
  • The height of the smile line
  • Maximum lip elevation during a wide smile

Patients who have a high smile line, or one that exposes the gums, may require extra dental work if implants are inserted to ensure the implants do not stand out from the surrounding natural teeth, which could affect the aesthetic of the job.

Which cosmetic dental procedures are affected?

Most dentists who perform smile makeovers will likely examine and attempt to adjust a patient's smile line before creating dental implants, braces or dentures. For example, the dimensions of a smile line in a patient who will be fitted with braces are important to ensure that the wires and brackets do not interfere with the gums. These measurements can also be important for those receiving partial or full dentures, as an improper fit may make chewing, speaking or wearing the dentures at all uncomfortable.

Because some dental procedures are designed to shift the teeth into a new position, dentists will likely consider how the smile line might be affected by the new placement. If the smile line is currently high, for instance, proper measurements can be quite important to ensure that each tooth has room to shift properly without affecting the gums. Those who want to take advantage of dental implants or braces before or after a smile line adjustment may want to discuss their options with a dentist.

Conclusion

The measurement and adjustment of a patient's smile line can be a vital step in any smile makeover. Individuals who want to have their smiles restored may feel greater peace of mind if they take steps to understand the steps involved and how proper preparation can pave the way for a dazzling smile in the future.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Smile Makeover in Danville, CA.

Recent Posts

Smile Makeover Options For Damaged Teeth

If you have a damaged tooth, perhaps due to trauma or infection, the dentist will work with you to choose the proper smile makeover plan to adjust your smile. The goal is to restore the function of the teeth while making them cosmetically appealing. The treatment strategy will meet your specific needs and achieve the…

How A Cosmetic Dentist Uses Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are a common treatment offered by a cosmetic dentist. This is because they can do so much to improve your smile and make you feel confident about yourself. If you have been looking for a cosmetic dentist, be sure to ask them about dental bridges. A cosmetic dentist can do so much with…

Why Choose Implant Supported Dentures?

Dental restorative procedures like implant supported dentures can be a solution to partial or complete teeth loss. No one wants to lose a tooth, but you may experience it due to situations beyond control. In addition to transforming your smile, the procedure can boost your self-esteem and have your teeth functioning fully in no time.An…

When Bone Grafting Is Needed For Dental Implants

If your jawbone structure is not robust enough to support dental implants, you may require bone grafting. It's important to understand what bone grafting is and how it is an important part of having dental implants. Let's take a closer look at bone grafting and when you may need them for dental implants. If you are…

Gregory K. Louie DDS, PC

Share
Published by
Gregory K. Louie DDS, PC

Recent Posts

Why Choose Implant Supported Dentures?

Dental restorative procedures like implant supported dentures can be a solution to partial or complete…

3 weeks ago

When Bone Grafting is Needed for Dental Implants

Let's take a closer look at bone grafting and when you may need them for…

2 months ago

What Happens After Dental Implants Are Placed?

There is a lot to think about when it comes to dental implants. This tooth-replacement…

3 months ago

What Gum Disease Looks Like

The most effective way to battle gum disease is to brush and floss daily. These…

4 months ago

What Makes Dentures Vulnerable to Breaking

Dentures are a set of artificial teeth that can replace some or all your teeth.…

5 months ago

Does a Restorative Dentist Use Dental Bridges?

A restorative dentist might recommend a dental bridge if you are missing multiple teeth right…

6 months ago