Some people can light up a room just by flashing their pearly whites. Julia Roberts radiates beauty and glamour with her smile, while Jack Nicholson conveys both charm and mischief with his Cheshire cat beam. Your smile can say a lot about you – it is often the first thing people notice upon meeting you. Does your smile communicate happiness and confidence? But what traits go into a memorable smile? Can you improve yours? Here are some characteristics your smile can possess to make a statement.
Tooth Color
Who can’t help but be impressed when someone reveals a row of pearly whites? The effect is magnetic. Unfortunately, some patients are unable to attain that brilliant glow, even with a good oral hygiene routine and semi-annual visits for checkups and cleanings.
Whether it’s genetics that prevent you from having bright, white teeth, or foods and beverages that have stained your teeth over the years, it is possible to make your teeth whiter. Many dentists offer professional treatments like teeth whitening or veneers to make your smile shine. There are also commercial solutions like teeth whitening strips, gels, and toothpastes, but these might not be as noticeably effective.
Tooth Visibility and Gum Display
According to a recent study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, people who barely smile and only show a little bit of teeth are often considered less confident and, by extension, less attractive.
The amount of gum shown in a smile is also important in considering its attractiveness. In general, if your gums come down too far over your teeth, the effect is off-putting. The color and health of gums are also a factor, with pink gums creating the perception of youth and vitality. Ideally, your smile should make most of your teeth visible and be framed by the gum tissue surrounding your teeth. The contrast between white teeth and gum tissue will make your smile pop.
Tooth Size
The same study showed that teeth that are too large are generally considered unattractive. It also stated that people expect the top two front teeth to be a bit larger than others, but if the effect is exaggerated, it’s a turn-off. People seem to have an innate sense of what the ideal tooth size is based on how they fit within a person’s face.
Fortunately, if you feel your teeth aren’t the right size for you, a dentist can reshape them to improve their appearance.
Tooth Alignment
It’s always impressive when someone smiles and reveals two uniform, straight rows of teeth. If you have slight or minor misaligned teeth, it can be corrected with veneers. These small porcelain shells are bonded to the front of your teeth and are shaded to match the color of your surrounding teeth. They can hide small imperfections like slightly crooked teeth.
If you have a beautiful smile, you probably recognize these traits. If not, you might consult your dentist about the treatments discussed to beautify your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Jonathan Smiley is a third-generation dentist and graduate of the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine with additional advanced training from the Dawson Dental Academy. Dr. Smiley and the team at Smiley Family Dentistry offer a wide range of services, from routine checkups and cleanings to restorative and cosmetic treatments. If you’re interested in making over your smile with veneers or other cosmetic treatments, make your appointment through our website or call our Waverly office at (319) 352-2270.