Symmetry has long been associated with facial beauty and attractiveness. When asymmetry exceeds acceptable limits, the facial appearance and smile can become unpleasant. Clinical examples will be used to discuss a variety of smile asymmetries, such as increased unilateral tooth display caused by uneven elevation of the upper lip at the commissures or a canted frontal occlusal plane, asymmetrical buccal corridors, dental midline deviations, axial inclination of teeth, arch asymmetry, size and shape of teeth, and uneven gingival heights. This will highlight the significance of determining smile symmetry before treatment and inform patients about esthetical variables and limitations.
Learning Objectives:
After this lecture, attendees will be able to:
Distinguish smile asymmetries related to soft tissues (e.g. muscle contraction) and hard tissues (bone and teeth).
Recognize the subtle presence of smile asymmetries and their impact on facial appearance.
Recognize the influence of specific dental asymmetries on smile esthetics.
