Shape Shifters

Shape Shifters

1st April 2022

Dr Yasmin Shakarchy and Dr Ahmed Hussain ask, what does the shape of patients’ teeth say about them?

Dr Yasmin Shakarchy

Dr Yasmin Shakarchy completed her dentistry training at the University of Birmingham. She is a Member of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (MFDS Ed) and holds a a PG certificate in aesthetic and restorative dentistry. She recently won UK Best Young Dentist at the 2020 Dentistry Awards and sits on the Aesthetic Medicine editorial board. Follow Yasmin on Instagram: @doctor_yasmin_

Dr Ahmed Hussain

Dr Ahmed Hussain has a Masters in Restorative dentistry with distinction from the world-renowned Eastman Dental Institute, where his research in aesthetic dentistry was later published in the Journalof Dentistry.He’s also the director at Harrow on The Hill Dental and Facial Aesthetics clinic in London. Follow Ahmed on Instagram: @dr.ahmedsmiles

Anterior teeth have a profound effect on the overall smile appearance. Factors that play a role include the position and proportions of teeth, as well their relations with surrounding structures, such as the lips, gums and face.In this article, we consider just the upper incisors and their significant influence on the perception of a smile.

It is important to remember that genetics also play a key role in the shape and size of anterior teeth and therefore overall dental aesthetics. Further to this, gender, age and personality must be considered when planning any alterations, making this a holistic and interesting topic to consider.

Basic Teeth Shape

Let us start by considering teeth in their basic form. There are three classifications of maxillary incisors: square, ovoid or triangular. Typically, the morphology constitutes a combination of these three basic shapes. The outlines of these features can be found in Figure 1.

The next step is to understand the further classifications of these basic shapes. The modified William’s classification, for example, produced a further six categories. These are based on the facial outline, as well as the gingival-incisal and mesio-distal crown contours. The shapes include square-tapering, ovoid-tapering, reverse-tapering, ovoid-square, ovoid-reverse-tapering and square reverse tapering…

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