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The golden ratio, divine proportion or aurea proportion, is the basic principle that governs our “smile philosophy”.
The concept of the divine proportion can be traced back to the times of the ancient Greeks. According to their beliefs, true beauty is defined by the constant proportion or ratio between the size of some large elements and other small ones.
While they used this in reference to beauty in nature, this was eventually adopted in other aspects of life. In modern days, the concept remains appealing and it has branched out into various areas, including the Dentistry field.
Simply put, the golden ratio is based on a mathematical relationship of 1.618:1 between the size of close and well-defined elements, which according to criteria, will be a guarantee of success in the expression and projection of harmony, beauty and naturalness.
While it is inevitable that beauty trends will come and go, the idea of a “Golden Ratio” has remained unchanged over time. Similarly, the concept of the golden proportion has been the center of controversy, and Dentistry is no exception in this regard. It has undergone important adjustments regarding its application in the dental field, simply because it is difficult to achieve an ideal proportion, and even less, a perfect one.
But as technologies and specialties advance, the criteria for its clinical application are increasingly refined. In our experience, the concept of the golden rule should not be considered solely in terms of tooth width, but should be applied to the entire dentofacial complex, to positively impact the appearance of the entire face.
But What Specifically Is the Golden Ratio?
It is an irrational algebraic number (its decimal representation is infinite and has no period) that has many interesting properties and was discovered, not as an arithmetic expression, but as a relationship or proportion between two segments of a line, that is, a geometric construction.
This proportion is found both in some geometric figures and in nature: in the veins of the leaves of some trees, in the thickness of the branches, in the shell of a snail, in the florets of sunflowers and in millions of natural structures .
Two quantities are in the golden ratio if their ratio is the same as the ratio of their sum to the larger of the two quantities. In other words, their ratio is approximately 1.618.
The proportion of 1.618 has been used extensively in music, design, architecture, and art. Ancient Greek mathematicians and Leonardo da Vinci are among those who have employed the golden ratio in their works.
Application of the Golden Ratio in Dentistry
When it comes to a smile, the golden ratio applies to the two front teeth. These two teeth are measured in terms of height and width. The ideal shape is one in which the two front incisors form a golden rectangle considering the phi ratio.
This formula offers only one possible mathematical approach to determining the desirable size and shape of teeth, particularly the upper ones. In order to apply the rule of divine proportion, it is necessary for Dentists to determine in advance the position of the incisal edge, the incisal plane, the gingival plane and the length of the central incisor.
Professionals must also take into consideration other criteria to determine tooth width and tooth proportion, mainly the difference between clinical width (true width) and visual width, which takes into account the geometric details and curvatures of the proximal surfaces and its influence on the projection of lights and shadows.
Why Is It So Important to Take It Into Account?
The golden ratio provides a mathematical formula with which we can calculate with precision and objectivity the proportional relationship in size between central incisors, lateral incisors and canines.
It does not represent more than the constant search for perfection in Esthetic Dentistry, and perhaps it is the great secret to achieve the perfect smile. Unlike in the past, today people spend thousands of dollars a year to correct the alignment of their teeth as well as their shape, color and size. Standards have changed, beauty requirements have increased, and patients are increasingly demanding and with a better perception of small aesthetic details.
In the search to achieve that ideal proportion, various Cosmetic Dentistry procedures are performed. Among the most important and frequent are Orthodontics, dental recontouring, adhesive restorations, composite resin veneers, porcelain veneers, total ceramic crowns and any other treatment contemplated within a digital smile design.
How Is the Golden Rule Integrated Into a Digital Smile Design?
Through the manipulation of digital photographs and computer programs we can apply these proportions or measurements to the patient’s smile, based of course on their facial biotype, in order to determine the ideal shape and size for their new teeth and thus achieve the desired smile.
In the anterior superior sector, the golden ratio is worked in such a way that the program simulates a mathematical relationship of 1.618 for the central incisor, 1.0 for the lateral incisor and 0.068 for the canine. In this way we can decide the ideal width of the teeth that are most visible when smiling.
There are other parameters that must also be considered to achieve harmony, such as the length of the incisors. The central incisors must be at least 1 mm longer than the lateral incisors, and the canines the same length as the central ones. This is evidenced by drawing a curved digital line that follows the incisal edges of the upper anterior teeth (canine to canine). This curvature must coincide or be parallel to the curvature of the inner edge of the lower lip.
Another important detail is to ensure that when the lips are at rest, at least 2 mm of the incisal edge of the upper central incisors are exposed. The relationship of the gum with the upper lip is also important. When smiling, no more than 1mm of gingiva should be exposed at the level of the upper incisors. If it is greater, periodontal plastic surgery, or in the worst case; orthognathic surgery, would be considered.
The truth is that the search for a perfect smile never ends. At the moment the new advances in Cosmetic Dentistry are combined with the old concepts of beauty, especially those based on nature and naturalness, such as the divine proportion. In the future, artificial intelligence may be the new paradigm to face.
Is All of the Above Truly Necessary?
If aesthetics is essential for you, it is not only necessary, it is essential!
However, not everyone has the same expectations. No one can deny the fact that overlooking these concepts and technologies does not necessarily lead to poor quality rehabilitation. Even today millions of crowns, veneers and other porcelain restorations are made without a prior design and without paying much attention to the proportionality of their dimensions, and yet; most patients feel satisfied and well served with them.
Aesthetics is subjective and only you know your expectations and needs. The most important thing is that you know how to express them to your Dentist and together you can decide the therapeutic objectives, the best treatment concept and the most suitable professionals for it. Then there is no going back!
“The Golden Ratio Is Not More Than One of the Many Parameters that Must Be Taken Into Account When Designing a Smile”.
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