The anatomy of a smile

Abstract

The anatomy of the smile is an integral part of dentistry. Its understanding involves close scrutiny of all elements of the oral region. It is not enough to establish the size of teeth based on the high and low lip lines, size of the mouth, and a shade to blend with the age and complexion. To create a harmonious smile the dentist must maintain or create the normal curvature of the lips, proper exposure of the red zone of the lips, an undistorted philtrum, and undisturbed nasolabial grooves. These entities, maintained in harmony with the exposed teeth, constitute the anatomy of a smile. In order that patients may be served properly, the smile must be understood, recorded, and analyzed so that desirable aspects may be preserved and graceless components returned to attractiveness.