Smile design: a straighter, whiter smile

Mr Ali AbdellatifDentistry

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Written by: Mr Ali Abdellatif

Published: 03/01/2020

Edited by: Cameron Gibson-Watt

No one has the perfect teeth or the perfect smile. Very often, we see well-known pubic figures and celebrities with obvious ‘fake’ teeth trying to achieve that perfect smile. In the UK, we prefer a more natural look that enhances our smile and natural beauty without seeming too obvious.

Althoughwetend to fall behind the rest of Europe and America in the pursuit of a more attractive smile,this could be an advantage, deterring us from undergoing aggressive cosmetic dentistry which carries many risks. Fortunately, there are always safe ways to brighten-up our smiles without having to shave down or alter our natural teeth. Leading dentist, Mr Ali Abdelladif, gives us a quick overview of some of the more conservative approaches.

How can I improve my smile?

The first thing someone should do when they want to improve their smile is to see an experienced dentist. Don’t limit yourself only to a ‘cosmetic dentist’ who might just focus on the appearance of your teeth and neglect their health. It can be detrimental to have the appearance of your teeth changed without having the health of your teeth and gums examined first.

Some young patients go to dentists asking for veneers: aesthetic solutions for covering damaged teeth and mask any dental problems or deformities. During the process, some of the shiny, enamel surface of the tooth is removed to make room for the veneer. Unfortunately, they don’t realise that their teeth are vital organs with a blood and nerve supply. These living parts of the teeth are larger in younger patients than in older.

Aggressive shaving of these teeth and removing the natural enamel can be devastating and lead to the death of their natural teeth. Cosmetic veneers still do have their application for the right type of patient as long as the health of the teeth is considered first and foremost.

Apart from veneers, there are several other smile design procedures that are less aggressive alternatives and produce fantastic results.

Invisible orthodontics and teeth whitening

For younger patients, I recommend invisible orthodontics to straighten the teeth, which is a system of clear, removablebracesthat are hard to see. We usually recommend combining this with gentle teeth whitening to really enhance the final result.

Dental bonding

Teeth can also be reshaped with our excellent bonding materials. Areas of deep discoloration can also be removed by abrasion or bonding. These treatments can buy time until the patient is older and their teeth can endure more aggressive treatments if they want.

Gum surgery

Gum surgery can rejuvenate thin, receded gums damaged by harsh tooth brushing. Gum tissue is replaced and reshaped to give the patient better gum contour that ‘drapes’ the teeth and improves the smile line. Often inexperienced dentists forget to focus on this and instead try to ‘fill’ the gaps created by a receding gum line, making the teeth look unnaturally long.

What should I look for in a dentist?

It’s very important that you visit an ethical dentist who also has experience in cosmetic dentistry treatments. This way, you can ensure that any treatment you receive is going to improve the overall health of your teeth and gums whilst enhancing them aesthetically. Every patient has different expectations and requirements, so tailor-made packages are created that take into account their age, their tooth anatomy and their lifestyles.

If you are interested in any of the treatments mentioned in this article, visit Mr Ali Abdellatif’s profile and book an appointment with him to talk about your options.

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By Mr Ali Abdellatif

Dentistryin St Albans

Mr Ali Abdellatif is a leading Hertfordshire-based dentist with specialist areas of expertise in dental implants and cosmetic dentistry. He has been practising oral surgery and implantology since 2005, providing all types of dental implants from a single tooth to full restorations. With his expertise in aesthetic dental treatments, he can help patients achieve their dream smile via a variety of procedures such as composite bonding, prosthetics and general restoration.After gradua...

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Mr Ali Abdellatif

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FAQs

What is the 50 40 30 rule for smile design? ›

This suggests that the ideal contact area between the two central incisors is 50% of the length of the crowns between the maxillary central and lateral incisor it is 40% the length of the crown of the central incisor, and between the lateral incisor and the canine is 30% the length of the central incisor crown.

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What are the side effects of smile design treatment? ›

Q) Are there any side effects? You may experience some discomfort, sensitivity or mild pain after the treatment, especially after placement of a dental crown or bridge, if the tooth or gum tissue is sensitive or if you are required to do root canal treatments or corrective orthodontic treatment.

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Does a whiter smile make you more attractive? ›

A study has confirmed what we already know – that a white and evenly spaced set of teeth makes people seem more attractive. But it has also explained the reason. It is because teeth are the human equivalent of a peaco*ck's tail – a sign of health and genetic quality designed to help choose a mate.

Is smile design permanent? ›

The smile makeover usually lasts very long if oral health is properly maintained. If you want the results to be permanent then you have to visit the dentist for a regular checkup and maintain proper oral health.

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What is the 80 20 rule teeth? ›

The rationale for the 8020 Campaign was built on the premise that if people can keep at least 20 functioning teeth by 80 years of age, they have a better chance of remaining healthy because of their ability to chew effectively, eat a range of foods, and maintain good nutrition, thereby providing a positive influence on ...

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What is the perfect smile ratio? ›

Height to Width Ratio of Central Incisor: 75%

Generally, a pleasant aesthetic ratio of a central range between 70-80% with females typically having slightly more slender teeth.

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What are the disadvantages of smile design? ›

The main con of getting a smile makeover is that there is potential for discomfort. A lot of the procedures involved in the process can induce sensitivity or slight feelings of pain. Two procedures that are known to cause discomfort are dental implant placement and gum reshaping, both of which require oral surgery.

Pros	Cons
Permanent correction for vision problems	Not reversible, even if you change your mind
No flap so safer with contact sports and eye rubbing	Less access to surgeons
Available for people with myopia and astigmatism	Not available for hyperopia

Does a white smile make you look younger? ›

White teeth can make a huge impact on your appearance and it can also affect your personal and professional relationships. A white smile can have a larger impact on your life than you could have imagined. In fact, whiter teeth can make you look five to 10 years younger than you actually are!

Which type of smile is most attractive? ›

Attractive smiles have various things in common, such as teeth that are white, unstained, straight, evenly spaced with no gaps between them and not crowded or overlapping. When you smile, your top teeth show fully in a good proportion to your gums. The line where the gums and teeth meet is smooth and even.

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How much does a smile design cost in the US? ›

Smile Makeover Costs

Crowns may range from $1,000 to $2,500. Orthodontics and Invisalign cost between $3,000 and $8,000. It can add up. Part of the consultation process involves understanding your budgetary concerns to align your smile makeover cost with your needs.

What is the least expensive smile makeover? ›

Dental Bonding

Versatility. Bonding can hide gaps, chips and cracks as well as discoloration.
Quick results. Bonding can often be completed in one visit of 30 to 60 minutes.
Cost-effective. Bonding is one of the least expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Jan 19, 2024

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Is smile designing painful? ›

The Digital Smile Design procedure is not painful. All required to complete the Digital Smile Design process are dental impressions, HD pictures, X-rays, and intraoral digital scanning. How Long Does Digital Smile Design Take? Depending on the person, smile makeovers can take three weeks to months.

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What is the 50 40 30 rule in dentistry? ›

The apparent contact dimension (ACD), a determinant of dental esthetics, has been purported to exhibit an esthetic relationship termed the "50:40:30" rule, implying that in an esthetic smile, the ACD between the central incisors, central and lateral incisors, and lateral incisor and canine would be 50, 40, and 30% of ...

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What are the perfect smile proportions? ›

Tooth Proportion: Most people perceive a pleasing smile as one in which the two central front teeth are dominant and have a width-to-length ratio of 75 to 80 percent.

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What is the golden proportion in dentistry? ›

The simplest description of the golden proportion is that if we take the lateral incisor as a factor of 1, then the central incisor would be 1.6. The visible part of that canine, usually the mesial part of the canine in that front photographic view, would be 0.6.