Creating beauty

Beauty is undoubtedly in the eye of the beholder. However, regardless of the subjective perception of beauty there is also a widespread image of ideal beauty for the human face that is based on objective parameters. This favourable overall impression comes about through a combination of pleasing proportions and symmetry and harmonious congruence of bone structure, eyes, nose and mouth. In this respect the lips, gums and teeth are of particular importance for the image we have of ourselves and the perception others have of us.

The effect of a beautiful smile is common knowledge. An appealing smile is characterised by a well-proportioned, symmetrical balance between the teeth themselves, and between the teeth and gums and the lips and face. The gum should enclose each tooth in a parabolic arc at the neck of the crown, with the zenith (the highest point of the gum) lying within the distal area of this circumference. Ideally, the interdental papillae should be level with the cervical third of the teeth.