Creating the perfect smile takes more than flawless tooth reconstruction or gingival repairs. The perfect smile needs to fit the face of the patient and even enhance their esthetic appearance. Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz uses a systematic approach to dento-facial evaluation to ensure these esthetic factors do not get overlooked.
The Four-Part Comprehensive Evaluation
• Dento-Facial esthetics:
Facial symmetry and how the teeth relate to the face as a whole
• Group esthetics
Teeth as a group aside from other facial features
• Gingival esthetics
Tissue surrounding the teeth and framing the teeth
• Tooth esthetics
Individual tooth characteristics
For the dento-facial esthetic evaluation, 11 different facial views are photographed and reviewed on a diagnose form to ensure that the information is consistent and organized.
Photographic View: Smiling full-face frontal
• Use Golden Proportion Principles to evaluate parameters
• Midline, occlusal plane, facial symmetry, facial lower-third
Photographic View: Profile
• Use Rickets e-line to evaluate lip profile
• Confirm/Assess facial lower-third symmetry
• Evaluate appropriate measures to correct lip protrusion or retrusion
• Refer to orthodontist or oral surgeon if restorative dentistry is not appropriate
Photographic View: Retracted smile close up
• Evaluate parameters: smiling tooth show, buccal corridor, gingival show, incisal plane, incisal plane to lower lip
• If parameters are off, refer to specialist where restorative dentistry is not appropriate
After analyzing the photographic views on the diagnosis form, the dentist can proceed to the next three steps in the four-part evaluation. The final treatment plan will take all aspects into consideration. Dr. Ruiz has formed a way to make a complicated task simple through the use of carefully planned photographs and forms. With this information at hand, a diagnosis and treatment plan can be developed and communicated thoughtfully and concisely to help patients reach their esthetic goals and optimal dental health.