A balanced smile—A most important treatment objective

Abstract

1.1. The primary treatment goal in orthodontics is to produce a well-balanced functional occlusion. However, a well-balanced smile is an additional, most important treatment objective.2.2. A proper evaluation of facial esthetics requires careful clinical inspection of the patient's smile before treatment commences. Full-face smile photographs are invaluable additional clinical tools in assessing the patient's smile before treatment and are recommended as standard photographic records in conjunction with the standard full-face and profile photographs.3.3. The ultimate position of the anterior teeth has a great influence on the relationship of the lips to each other and to the surrounding and underlying facial structures. A large improvement in facial balance when smiling has been demonstrated as a result of intrusion of maxillary incisors in conjunction with the proper amount of palatal root torque.4.4. The teeth should be moved with one mode of movement in a direct vector line, avoiding “round tripping” as much as possible. A selective torquing method which produces the necessary intrusion of maxillary incisors with the desired amount of palatal root torque within the edgewise mechanism is described.5.5. Improved facial balance during smiling is an essential treatment objective and adds an important dimension to successful orthodontic treatment. Treatment efforts of the orthodontist in this direction are highly valued by patients and parents alike.