What Does the Perfect Smile Look Like?

Smiles bind our world together. They are one of the ways we detect whether people are friendly and likeable, and smiling actually releases feel-good chemicals in the brain. So a good smile is important in this highly social world of ours. Below, learn what makes the perfect smile.

All Teeth Intact

This one is a no-brainer, but it’s also one of the most important aspects of a good smile. Missing teeth, culturally, is associated with poor hygiene, a lower socioeconomic status, and even being less intelligent. (Think Cletus and his family on “The Simpsons.”) Even if these qualities aren’t true, the stereotypes, sadly, remain.

Missing teeth can come from a number of causes, ranging from gum disease to injury to cavities. Luckily there are prosthetic options, like implants, if you happen to be missing teeth. These might be crucial if you’re missing one or more teeth where they are visible.

Straight, Whole Teeth

Next on this list of attributes for a perfect smile is having teeth that are straight and whole. We’ve all seen that person in real life or on television who have teeth that are so snaggled, it actually becomes a minor distraction while that person talks. As such, to have the perfect smile, teeth should be straight and uniform. They should also have symmetry, for instance matching incisors should look similar on each side of the mouth. Luckily, there are a number of alignment procedures now, including alignment trays.

Another key part of this point is that teeth shouldn’t be chipped or damaged. Repair for this type of tooth can range from bonding the tooth to removing the tooth and getting an implant.

White Teeth for a Perfect Smile

We all want a brighter, whiter smile these days, don’t we? We can thank the celebrities with the almost ethereal pearly whites. But these celebrities are on to something. A white smile isn’t just white because it’s a fashion trend. It designates a healthy smile. Eroded enamel can cause yellowing of teeth, for instance. Other health conditions cause teeth to yellow, and sometimes habits like smoking cause yellow teeth. So, white teeth also designate a healthy person culturally.

Luckily, there are tons of ways to whiten teeth these days. There are in-office procedures with your dentist as well as over-the-counter whitening strips, whitening toothpastes, and even whitening mouthwashes.

Healthy Gums

When we’re focused on our smile, it’s easy to just focus on the teeth. But healthy gums also play a role. Gums should be pink and even along the teeth. Gums that are red, swollen or uneven tend to hint at gum disease, so it’s a turnoff while smiling. Gums that are receded also tend to make teeth look too long and too prominent, leading to a less than perfect smile.

Regular trips to the dentist can help with this issue. The dentist will be able to spot any early signs of gum disease so any issues can be halted and reversed. They’ll also be able to check for signs of receding. Not taking care of gum disease early can lead to treatments like surgery to restore your gums.

Whether you desire the perfect smile simply for yourself or because you want to feel confident in social situations, make new friends, or even date, you’re not alone in your desire to attain this goal. People like feeling good about themselves, and having a smile you enjoy showing off can help with that. Take care of yours and if you need help improving it, make an appointment to see a cosmetic dentist soon.