Principles of Smile Design in Bristol

We understand that aesthetic perfection can be difficult to achieve. That’s why, at Clifton Dental Studio, we have studied and employed the principles of smile design to ensure your smile makeover achieves the gold standard.

Symmetry is crucial when designing a smile. Asymmetrical elements are picked up very quickly by the human eye and are often less attractive. Creating the illusion of horizontal alignment with the eyes can be crucial. Everything else from gum line to tooth proportion is also taken into account. At Clifton Dental Studio, we believe that the design element is as important as the treatment itself and that proper planning changes good results into fantastic results.

Horizontal Alignment

Symmetry

Smile Width

Smile Line

Gum Line

Golden Proportions

Embrasure

Tooth Proportion

Tooth shade

1. The cervical third should be more yellow in appearance, even in bright white smiles
2. The middle third or body of the tooth will be the prominent shade, generally less yellow and brighter in appearance
3. The incisal third possesses varying degrees of translucency and may appear a little blue or grey.

When considering any enhancement of your smile it is worth remembering that your teeth are designed for function (chewing). It is therefore important to make sure that any cosmetic enhancement of your smile complements or improves your existing function.

For comfort, longevity and the protection of your new smile it is important that your teeth touch evenly when biting together as this allows your jaw muscles to settle in to a relaxed position at rest.

It is very common to find that most people possess an uneven bite which often results from general wear over time and past dentistry such as a filling in a back tooth left slightly high of the bite or tooth movement following orthodontic treatment (braces).

An uneven bite will often result in premature failure of your smile through wear and chipping of your teeth – especially your front teeth. Clenching and grinding during sleep is another common problem leading to sensitive teeth, sore or painful jaw joints and even headaches.

A complete smile assessment will always incorporate a thorough examination of your bite because we want your smile to look fantastic and last for many years to come.

For example, an uneven bite caused by a high filling in a back tooth will often lead to worn and chipped front teeth. Porcelain veneers can easily correct this but if you do not treat the underlying cause of the high back tooth then your new smile and veneers will probably fracture prematurely.