Smile design: Assessment and concept

Background: The concept of smile design represents complex interaction between skeletal, dental and soft tissue structures of the face. Facial appearance of an individual’s smile is net interaction of these components. Aim: Purpose of the study is to highlight traditionally accepted smile design concepts with additional newer parameters incorporated in the esthetic treatment of the patients. Methods: Literature search was carried out by using various search engines (Pubmed, Google scholar, EBESCO) and articles reporting general facial analysis, dento-facial analysis, dento-labial analysis, dento-gingival analysis and dental analysis were appraised. Conclusion: Smile design is an individualized concept requiring consideration of many parameters. Therefore, careful diagnosis, analysis of various hard and soft tissue parameters should be part in the treatment of smile design while keeping in mind the esthetics and function. Multi-disciplinary approach towards smile design in consultation with different dental specialties can aid in better designing of smile and facial esthetics