The Journal
The gingival margin of the lateral incisor is
0.5–2.0 mm below that of the central incisors.
The least desirable gingival placement over the
laterals is for it to be apical to that of the centrals
and or the canines. This is important in finishing
all orthodontic cases and also when tooth
substitutions are planned.
Gingival shape refers to curvature of gingiva at
the margin of the tooth. Gingival height, shape
and contours according to the accreditation
criteria for the American academy of Cosmetic
Dentistry “The shape of maxillary lateral Incisor
and mandibular incisors is symmet rical and half
oval. Shape of maxillary centrals and canines
12
are more elliptical and asymmetric”. Gingival
Zenith is the most apical point of gingival tissue
and should be located distal to the longitudinal
axis of maxillary centrals and canines while
zenith of maxillary lateral and mandibular
incisor should coincide with their long axis. 11
BUCCAL CORRIDOR
The buccal corridor is more commonly referred
by orthodontists as negative space present
between the lateral aspects of maxillary
posterior teeth and the corner of the mouth
during smile which appears as a black or dark
space. Frush and Fischer 13 demonstrated that
the presence of buccal corridors added the
illusion of a natural dentition, whereas its
absence gave the patient an artificial
appearance. Again, the orthodontist's eye for
beauty is an important factor in creating
appropriately sized buccal corridors. In smiling,
the width of the mouth increases by as much as
30%, therefore, an excessive transverse lip
extension in smiling would produce a wider
buccal corridor. 14 Having minimal buccal
corridors is a preferred esthetic feature in both
men and women, and large buccal corridors
should be included in the problem list during
orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.
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22
10
3
1
21
16
Conclusion
The goal of this article was to demonstrate the
greater vision we all should offer our patients
and incorporate smile design principles into our
overall diagnosis and treatment planning. An
optimal smile is characterized by an average
incisor display, consonant smile arc with
minimal lateral negative space and
harmoniously integrated dental and gingival
components. These concepts of smile esthetics
are not new, but are too often overlooked in
orthodontic treatment planning.
References
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Multi-disciplinary approach for enhancing
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Vol. 13
12 No. 1
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May-August
Sept-Dec 2017
Jan-April
2016
2016