Commonly, the term 'aesthetic zone' refers only to the maxillary six anterior teeth which are predominantly exposed during the so-called posed smile. Evaluating the characteristics of this type of smile has become a fundamental component of orthodontic and especially interdisciplinary diagnosis and treatment planning due to a growing demand from the patients' side for a 'perfect smile' – fueled by increasing awareness of the benefits of a beautiful smile for successful performance both in professional and private life and additionally hyped by the modern human beings' omnipresence in the social media. Concomitantly, the digital (r)evolution has equipped the dental specialist with more technological options to measure, plan and visualize these aesthetic features with virtual tools (i.g. digital smile) design to better communicate with all involved interdisciplinary team members and the patient. However, despite the importance of the 'upper aesthetic zone' one must not forget that individual smile dynamics and dento-skeletal relationships may cause excessive or insufficient tooth exposure both during the posed and during the spontaneous smile (Duchenne smile). A broader critical look at the amount and extent of tooth exposure and the feasibility or the limitations of achieving an excellent treatment result for the respective patient is mandatory and should not only address smile aesthetics, but also appropriate function and long-term maintenance with emphasis on restoration of worn upper and lower incisal edges.
Learning Objectives:
After this session, attendees will be able to:
Critically evaluate individual smile characteristics with regard to the newer literature on the topic.
Appreciate that the lower aesthetic zone must be evaluated and treated with the same criteria that apply to the 'Social Six'.
Implement the concept that achieving good function and long-term maintainability are equally important treatment goals as smile enhancement.
