The objective of the study is to evaluate some of the esthetic factors which will determine an attractive smile.

This study was conducted with 214 students, between the age of 18 and 25 years, from Dharwad SDM College of Dental Sciences with natural dentition and who fulfilled the required criteria; the frontal photograph was taken of each individuals with smile displaying upper anterior teeth as well as gingiva. Each student's smile was compared, analyzed, and evaluated. Differences between smile types were determined statistically with Z-proportionality test.

Five elements of smile were analyzed. The difference in smile type between men and women was statistically significant. Average smile was the most common with 48.13%, followed by high smile of 37.38%, and low smile was the least common with 14.49%. The downward curvature was the most common with 48.60% followed by straight curvature 42.88% and the lowest common was upward curvature with 8.88%. Straight curvature was the most common followed by parallel curvature and reverse curvature. Totally, 64.95% students showed lower lip touch of the maxillary teeth, and 22.43% showed lower lip not touching the teeth. And, 12.62% showed lower lip slightly covering teeth; 64.95% displayed till 2nd premolar; 32.24% displayed till the first molar; and 2.8% displayed till canine.

The average smile was the most common with downward curvature, straight maxillary incisal curve with the lower lip, maxillary anterior teeth not touching the lower lip, and a number of teeth displayed till the second premolar. Smile analysis must be assessed in association with the face in order to define esthetic rehabilitation of smile. It will give guidelines for restoration of esthetics in anterior.

Meshramkar RD, Agarwal R, Pillai LK, Nadiger RK. A Study to evaluate Some of the Esthetic Factors determining Attractive Smile. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2016;6(2):31-36.