What is Considered "Perfect Teeth"?

Question

I am near the end of two years with braces, and my teeth look a whole lot better than they did in the beginning, but what exactly is considered "perfect teeth"? Also, does getting brackets removed and cement sanded down hurt or damage enamel?

Janet H. Stoess-Allen, DMD · Answer

There are many variations of “perfect teeth”. There is an art and a science that must be considered when deciding on the validity of that quote. In dentistry there are guidelines that are taught which define the ideal occlusion. Because all of us have different shapes and sizes of teeth, “perfection” is often difficult to assess. As long as the upper and lower teeth are occluding properly in a cusp to fossa relationship and the upper and lower jaws are aligned with each other properly, and the teeth are aligned in a horizontal and vertical position so that they fit together comfortably, the bite would most likely be considered to be acceptable. Perfection is difficult if not impossible to achieve. All dental parameters must be evaluated.

Brian Povolny, DDS, PhD · Answer

We all know that perfection is impossible to attain, and that goals in treatment will vary from one patient to another depending on tooth shapes, bone structure, soft tissue, and other factors. But believe it or not, human teeth are "designed" to fit together almost perfectly in a very specific pattern (the "ideal bite") that we use as the goal post in our orthodontic cases. This tooth arrangement usually looks the best! In most cases, there is a way to attain this ideal bite, but sometimes the cost or procedures necessary may not be deemed worth it or acceptable by the patient or the doctor, and a lesser goal may be chosen.

Robert Waxler, DMD, MS · Answer

There is no such thing as perfect when we talk about orthodontics!  All we can do is to get as close to ideal as the patient's dentition, skeletal structure, musculature, and finance will allow.  Patients who start out as a "D" problem can often be brought up to a "B+" but not often an "A"....the less severe the initial problem the more likely we can approach ideal.

	At the minimum straight teeth are the goal and for most patients but not all, a proper "bite" with the correct intercuspation of the the posterior teeth.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD - Account Suspended · Answer

That is actually a loaded question....  What I might think is beautiful or perfect, another can point out a flaw...  Perfection as a goal is likely a fool's mission, impossible to attain.  "Very good" or another level of a realistic goal is best, as NOTHING is perfect.

	 

	Dentists have what is called "Golden Proportions" that we strive for when creating smiles and makeovers, but with orthodontics, that is very difficult.  If teeth are already worn at angles, or not "ideal" shapes, no amount of movement will fix it.

	 

	Discussions on goals and "perfection" are good to have with your dentist/orthodontist.

What is Considered "Perfect Teeth"?

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