Selected aspects of the art and science of facial esthetics

The historical aspects of facial esthetics and its role in orthodontic teachings and practice are traced to their origins in classical art. Related discussions include the failure of "divine proportions," the ascent of the Class II facies, and the influence of 19th century pseudoscience. Today, the treatment of facial form for a diverse society requires a tolerant sense of esthetic pluralism. Moreover, advances in neuroscience and psychology have extended understanding of the biological basis of variation in facial expression and judgment. The nature of oral esthetics was examined through quantitative studies of the smile line. Significant sexual dimorphism was found, ie, the gingival smile line (GSL) appears to be a female lineament and the low smile line seems to be a male lineament. Further results indicated that the GSL is associated with several facial characteristics, including anterior vertical maxillary excess, and the muscular capacity to raise the upper lip significantly higher than average on smiling. Other variables associated with GSL are statistically significant increases in overjet, interlabial gap at rest, and overbite. The gingival smile line is not necessarily objectionable esthetically and it will normally diminish with age. However, the treatment of choice for the GSL patient with an uncoached complaint is orthognathic surgery and orthodontics.