[Targeting the smile: why don't we aim at the lips?]

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Facial Aesthetics
• Orthodontics

Background:

• A beautiful smile involves more than just aligned teeth.
• Harmonization between dentition and soft tissues, particularly the lips, is essential for smile aesthetics.
• Lip dynamics significantly influence the overall perception of a smile.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the critical role of lips and their movements in achieving smile harmony.
• To provide practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of lip assessment in orthodontic treatment planning.
• To emphasize the importance of considering soft tissue dynamics in smile restoration.

Main Methods:

• Review of relevant terminology concerning lip anatomy and function.
• Analysis of lip volume, mobility, and aging processes.
• Examination of the clinical implications for orthodontic treatment.

Main Results:

• Lip assessment at rest and during function is vital for adult patients' treatment requests.
• Achieving dental and soft tissue harmony is indispensable for an aesthetically pleasing smile.
• A multidisciplinary approach is frequently required for optimal smile outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Orthodontic treatment planning must extend beyond dental occlusion to include soft tissue analysis.
• Understanding lip dynamics is fundamental for successful smile esthetic evaluations.
• Integrated assessment of teeth and lips ensures comprehensive smile restoration.