Size and Proportions

Central Dominance dictates that the central incisors must be the dominant teeth in the smile and they must display pleasing proportions. They are the key to the smile. By this we mean the proportions of the centrals must be esthetically and mathematically correct. The width to length ratio of the centrals should be approximately 4:5 (.8 to 1.0) By measuring the current width of the worn, short centrals from a study model, we can calculate the proposed, ideal, esthetic length.

The principles of golden proportions suggest that there is an ideal, mathematical ratio (1.6 : 1 : 0.6) between the widths of the centrals, laterals and canines when they are viewed simultaneously from the front. This is only a visual ratio from this particular angle and is due to the curvature of the dental arch as the teeth progress from front to back.

This golden proportional setup of the front, top 6 teeth is almost always esthetically pleasing once placed in an individual’s mouth, however sometimes it is necessary to slightly adjust things from this. Adjustments are done once the teeth are temporized where the temporary serves as a starting template from which to determine the exact size and shape of the final restorations.