An Artful Approach

A perfect smile isn’t just about straight teeth—it’s an art form. At least, that’s how Dr. Caroline Pawlak, owner of Artful Orthodontics, sees it. Every detail matters, from the curve of the lips to the symmetry of the jawline. But what’s the real secret to crafting a truly stunning smile?

“First, be mindful of your patient’s chief concern,” Dr. Pawlak explains. “Some may only want to fix a specific problem. Others may have a more comprehensive solution in mind.”

It’s a delicate balance of science and aesthetics. A flawless smile isn’t just about alignment—it should follow the natural curve of the lower lip. The “lateral step” plays a role, too: the lateral incisors (the teeth flanking the two big front teeth) should be slightly smaller and shorter for a more natural look.

Then there’s the matter of “buccal corridors.” Those refer to the spaces between the teeth and cheeks on both sides that extend back from the corners of the mouth. There should be minimal empty space noticeable when someone smiles broadly, creating a fuller and more proportional appearance that enhances overall facial harmony.

The appearance of gum tissue can be a point of concern for some patients that are unhappy with their smile. “Gummy smiles” can have several causes, and it is important to determine what will be best for each patient. Some people have excessive tissue that can be contoured while others may require Botox for an overactive lip to address the true cause.

Ideally, the shape of a person’s teeth should mimic the shape of their face. A patient with a round face, for example, will have rounder, more ovoid teeth than someone whose face is more angular in shape. That person’s teeth would tend to be more “squarish.”

Unfortunately, sometimes there is no other alternative than surgical intervention when alignment solutions, crowns, or other bite correction options are not up to the task. Inadequate jaw structure complications can only be reliably addressed through surgery.

But is there ever a point when it’s too late to transform a smile? Dr. Pawlak doesn’t think so. “Adults can require a longer time in treatment when compared to children depending on the severity of the case. For children, growth is often on our side when it comes to aligning teeth and correcting bites. Adults also need to understand additional treatment with their dentist may be necessary to achieve their dream smile. But, if the patient is compliant during treatment and wears their retainers, they can get a great result!”