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[The smile line, a literature search]
P A van der Geld1, M A van Waas
1Uit de vakgroep Orale Functieleer van het Academisch Centrum Tandheelkunde (ACTA), Amsterdam. p.vd.geld@acta.nl
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Tandheelkunde
|October 10, 2003
Summary
The "smile line" affects visible teeth during smiles, with no single method to determine its position. Most people do not show upper or lower gums when smiling, and women tend to have a higher smile line than men.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Aesthetics
- Facial Anatomy
Context:
- The perception of beauty is influenced by visible teeth during smiles.
- The smile line, defined by the upper lip's border on maxillary teeth, dictates tooth display.
- Understanding the smile line is crucial in aesthetic dentistry and facial analysis.
Purpose:
- To review methods for determining the smile line's position.
- To present demographic data on smile line location.
- To examine factors influencing the smile line.
Summary:
- No single method definitively determines the smile line; methods are qualitative or (semi)-quantitative.
- Reliability of (semi)-quantitative methods for research is currently unknown.
- At least 40% of subjects do not show maxillary gingiva, and over 90% do not show mandibular gingiva when smiling.
- Women, on average, exhibit a higher smile line than men; age-related changes are not yet proven.
Impact:
- Highlights the variability in smile line positions and gingival display.
- Informs dental professionals about typical smile line characteristics.
- Provides a basis for further research into smile line determinants and measurement reliability.