Smile Line

Smile line refers to the line formed when going along the incisal edges (or tips) of the upper front teeth. This line should roughly follow the contours of the lower lip line. Another frame of reference for the smile line suggests that the central incisors should be equal to or slightly longer than the cuspids (eye teeth). What we are looking for here is basically an esthetic curve to the smile – see the photos below for examples. This line is only one parameter in designing a smile but just as essential as all the others.

This is not to be confused with Lip Line, which is the border of the upper lip. The lip line is important to consider when evaluating display of the upper teeth. I will cover this in the periodontal considerations section.