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The symmetry of the level of where your gums end on your top front teeth has a direct impact on how attractive your smile is. There is an ideal level where your gums should end that lends beauty to your smile and, when this is violated, it is the cause of a less attractive smile. This can be fixed by having the gums sculpted to the optimal levels.

There are many other causes why a smile may look unattractive. Worn teeth signify aging, even for a young person. When the tips of your upper and lower front teeth are thinning and chipping, it is a progressive process that will continue to get worse. A bite evaluation followed by cosmetic procedures like porcelain veneers or tooth-colored bondings can easily restore your smile to its original beauty and youthful appearance.

Discolored teeth are also a sign of aging. As we get older, the enamel on the outermost part of our teeth slowly wears off. The underlying dentin of the tooth is darker in color and starts to transmit through the thinning enamel. Red wine, coffee, black tea, sauces and certain foods like berries all wreak havoc on our teeth. Drinking these beverages in moderation and using a straw if possible can help to limit this process. However, you may want to consider whitening your teeth to get a more vibrant and youthful look. There are a variety of products available that vary in efficacy and cost. The custom trays made in a dental office and the professional strength whitening gel may be the most cost effective and sustainable results over time.

Gaps between teeth, crowding of teeth, or teeth that are rotated, misshapen or missing make a smile less attractive. A conservative way to solve these problems is by moving the teeth to a healthier position. Traditional braces have been the only option until some years ago when Invisalign® has become a popular option for adults who do not want to have brackets and bands placed on their teeth. Invisalign® are practically invisible aligners (or trays) that can be taken off for eating, brushing and flossing. This treatment can be used to move teeth to more favorable positions before doing cosmetic work with crowns, veneers and bridges so as to keep the tooth shaping as conservative as possible.

Faulty and old dentistry can also make your smile look less than optimal. Discolored fillings, opaque crowns and multiple shades of dental work can all be fixed by replacing old restorations. New materials are amazing in how they reproduce the translucency of natural teeth.

Smile design is an art and a science that when expertly blended together – while taking into account an individual’s features, coloring, hair and even personality – will result in an incredible result that will dazzle the world.

Dr. Sunita Merriman is a general and cosmetic dentist and educator practicing in Westfield, NJ. She has a passion for designing smiles that reflect the “true you” and practices dentistry for the purpose of improving the lives of her patients. She is married and has two daughters.

In my many years of designing smiles for patients, I have discovered that their reasons and motivations to fix their teeth may be different but the results are always the same: a newfound confidence and absolute joy! Their smile allows them to engage with the world in the manner that reflects who they are on the inside. A smile is such a meaningful and deep way to communicate with our loved ones, friends, acquaintances and strangers alike. It is an amazing bridge that connects us to others instantaneously and effortlessly.

A beautiful smile is also tied to our social and professional success. People with a great smile are said to make more money and advance faster and further in their careers. An attractive smile, along with a sense of humor, also tops the “wish list” of singles today.

So what exactly makes a smile attractive?First and foremost, an attractive smile is a healthy smile. We can break a smile down as a framed masterpiece. The teeth are the “painting” and the gums are the “frame.” The more magnificent a frame is, the better the painting will look. For your teeth to look good, your gums must look good.

Gums that are red, puffy, bleeding and receding need to be treated for inflammation and infection. Three out of four individuals suffer from periodontal (gum) disease, which is usually a painless condition. However, bad breath is a common symptom! Healthy gums are pink and sit tight around your teeth. They extend right up to the neck of your teeth and do not display any black triangles between your teeth. Healthy gums do not bleed when you brush or floss.

By Dr. Sunita Merriman

What Your Smile Says About You

Since the beginning of time, women have had a passionate and interesting history of adorning and enhancing their external beauty. Looking good makes us feel good. Feeling good on the inside and looking good on the outside is a wonderful combination that lifts our spirits to great heights.