La Habra/Chino Hills, CA – While what makes a person attractive certainly varies from one person’s taste to another, there are basic rules of a perfect smile.

Orthodontics is the practice of creating beautiful smiles and harmonious bites, but is there such a thing as the “perfect bite?” While every person’s smile is unique, Dr. Robert Gire of Gire Orthodontics explains what makes up the most “ideal” smile or bite.

“We use the term ‘ideal occlusion’ to refer to an orthodontic patient’s bite, taking into consideration many different factors,” says Dr. Gire.

“It takes a blend of science and art, paired with expert knowledge, to create a smile that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but one that also functions properly and ensures a future of good oral health for the patient.”

When referring to a “perfect smile” in the orthodontic world, orthodontists aren’t singling out a certain type of smile over another, but rather referring to how the upper and lower teeth fit together to create a harmonious bite. The most ideal bite involves:

What makes an ideal bite?

• Upper front teeth that only slightly overlap the lower front teeth
• How the back molars comfortably fit into the grooves of their corresponding lower molars
• No crowding, gaps, or other misalignments
• Chewing force that is evenly distributed
• Jaw muscles are not in a state of torque or spasm

What does a perfect smile look like?

Dr. Robert Gire of Gire Orthodontics, a Chino Hills orthodontist, also breaks down the anatomy of a scientifically “aesthetically pleasing” smile.

1. More is more. In an ideal smile the more teeth you show, the better. Many believe that in the best smile all of your central and lateral upper incisors, as well as your canine teeth, should be visible. Women tend to be better at this than men who often show less of their upper teeth when smiling.
2. Symmetry is key. Your central incisors should meet in a straight line and be mirror images of each other. Bonus points if you can say the same for your lateral incisors and canines as well. The midline of your upper front two teeth should be centered in your face.
3. The shape of your teeth makes a difference. Generally speaking your teeth should be 80% as wide as they are long. 
4. Keep the gums to a minimum. Ideal smiles don’t show more than two to three millimeters of gum tissue.
5. It’s all in the buccal corridor. The buccal corridor is the dark space between the corner of your lips and your upper back teeth. Broader smiles, or smaller buccal corridors, are considered to be the most attractive smiles. 
6. The curvier, the better. In an ideal smile, the curve of the upper front teeth should be parallel to the curve of the bottom lip. Curved smile lines tend to be associated with vibrancy and youth, while flatter smile lines can make a person look older. 
7. Embrace the space. By this we don’t mean gaps in your smile, but rather the embrasures or the tiny triangular spaces between the tips of your teeth. These follow a pattern from front to back, with the embrasure of the front two teeth being the smallest and getting deeper as you move toward the back teeth. While you probably don’t give this part of your smile much thought, following the proper pattern does play a key role in an ideal smile. 
8. A full smile can be more youthful and attractive. This refers to the emergence profile of your teeth or the angle at which the teeth emerge from the gums when we see the smile from the side. Fullness can offer support to the lips and cheeks preventing the smile from looking caved-in.

But why is an ideal bite recommended?

“Many people still mistakenly believe that orthodontic treatment is only about correcting cosmetic issues,” says Dr. Gire. “While we do work hard to provide beautiful smiles, we also work hard to ensure smiles that function properly. This is important because a poorly aligned bite can lead to difficulties chewing, speech issues, and oral health issues such as cavities, gum disease, and more.”

Bites are shaped by genetics and habits factors

Genetics can impact the size and shape of your jaw as well as how your teeth are positioned. Your genes can even determine how your face is structured. These factors are completely out of your control, unfortunately, but a trained orthodontist can improve upon these inherited traits to provide you with your ideal smile and bite.

Habits we develop can impact how our smiles take shape, too. Extended thumb sucking and pacifier use can negatively affect the growth of our smiles, leading to poor alignment and bad bites. Likewise, tongue thrusting can negatively affect bite alignment and esthetics as well. Grinding of the teeth can also lead to alignment issues and breakdown of tooth structure.

Orthodontists are trained in ensuring patients of all ages can achieve their ideal bites. Dr. Gire is a board-certified orthodontist who is trained to assess everything that comes into play to help you get your perfect smile.

Through the use of braces or clear aligners, Dr. Gire can ensure you have a bite that functions properly and is esthetically pleasing at the same time. Every treatment plan is completely customized to each patient to consider the unique needs of the patient. This ensures ideal outcomes.

Every smile is as unique as the person who wears it. And, while there are certainly some scientific components that can define the “ideal smile,” your most ideal smile is one that is healthy, stable, and uniquely you!

If you have concerns about your smile, now is the time to discover how orthodontics can help you achieve the bite that is right for you. Orthodontic treatment can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. To learn more about how you can get your ideal smile, call Gire Orthodontics today at 562-690-1199 (La Habra) or 909-393-9911 (Chino Hills).