Principles of esthetics

Attaining the highest clinical level of cosmetic dentistry necessitates the development of artistic talents. Although some historical discussion is found in the literature, little has been written on the marriage of artistic theory and clinical illusions. An understanding of this relationship allows the clinician to design a smile or modify a flawed display artistically so that the patient may perceive it as more attractive. I introduced to the literature a framework for understanding artistic principles as they relate to clinical cosmetic dentistry, ie, shaping teeth and creating illusions (Singer, In Esthetic Dentistry: A Clinical Approach to Techniques and Materials. Lea & Febiger; 1993:5-13). The concepts of cultural and artistic perceptual biases and the law of the face are explained and illustrated. To enhance their further understanding, clinicians are encouraged to study related fields of beauty enhancement.