While an unattractive smile is not technically a “dental problem,” it is a major reason why many patients seek dental treatment.
An unattractive smile can really lower a person’s self-esteem. Luckily, with today’s technologies and developments, anyone can have a beautiful smile. Whether it’s teeth whitening, dental implants, orthodontics or other cosmetic dental work, chances are that your dentist can give you the smile of your dreams.

Unattractive Smile may be described as an oral facial feature that adversely affects an individual’s self-image and personality while smiling.

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)
Gummy Smile

What is Unattractive Smile? (Definition/Background Information)
1. Unattractive Smile may be described as an oral facial feature that adversely
affects an individual’s self-image and personality while smiling
2. Strictly speaking, an Unattractive Smile is a cosmetic concern and not a
dental health/facial condition. However, since it is linked to one’s confidence
and self-esteem level, treatments are sought to address this cosmetic issue
3. An Unattractive Smile may occur due to various factors that include stained
teeth, broken or missing teeth, protruding teeth/jaw, and excess gum display
while smiling
4. This may be due to congenital genetic disorders involving the face or jaw,
vehicular accidents, or certain food and lifestyle habits causing tooth
discoloration
5. The treatment of Unattractive Smile may involve professional teeth whitening
procedures and adequate oral hygiene and care. With appropriate treatment,
a ‘beautiful smile’ may be achieved

Who gets Unattractive Smile? (Age and Sex Distribution)
1. Unattractive Smile is commonly seen in both children and adults
2. No specific gender, racial, or ethnic group predominance is identified with it.

What are the Risk Factors for Unattractive Smile? (Predisposing Factors)
The risk factors for an Unattractive Smile may include: (not exhaustive)
1. Accidents and injuries that cause damage to one’s face
2. Genetic disorders that involve the face or oral cavity including cleft lip and
palate
3. Food and drink habits that cause tooth staining
4. Aging causing dental health problems
5. Smoking or chewing tobacco
6. Use of certain medications
7. Cancers and benign tumors affecting the oral cavity region

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Unattractive Smile?
Unattractive Smile is not an oral health condition. It may occur due to a variety of factors that involve the teeth, gums, lips, and one’s facial profile.

1. In some individuals, the smile is unattractive due to intrinsic factors such as
protruding jaw, excess display of gums due to muscular problems (hyperactive
muscles), sharp or large nose, etc.
2. In some, the extrinsic factors that result in an Unattractive Smile may be the
presence of broken teeth, missing teeth, or stains on teeth, missing or broken
tooth/teeth, stained or discolored teeth, misaligned teeth or jaw, protrusion of
front incisors, abnormal eruption of teeth, etc.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Unattractive Smile?
The signs and symptoms of Unattractive Smile can vary from one individual to another. It may include:
1. Both the upper and lower dental arches are not aligned properly
2. Overcrowding of teeth in the mouth
3. Chipped, cracked, or missing teeth
4. Gaps between teeth (especially between the incisors), receding gums
5. Gums are excessively visible while smiling
6. Yellow, brown, or discolored teeth

How is Unattractive Smile Diagnosed?
An Unattractive Smile may be diagnosed using the following methods:
1. A complete physical examination of the mouth and teeth: Typically, visual
identification is sufficient to diagnose an Unattractive Smile
2. Assessment of medical history including the presence of any underlying
conditions, medicines one is currently taking, food and lifestyle habits, etc.
3. Dental X-rays to examine profile of the teeth and jaw, if required
Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Unattractive Smile?
Complications due to Unattractive Smile may include:
1. Cosmetic issues and physical unattractiveness causing emotional stress
2. Reduced self-esteem.

How is Unattractive Smile Treated?
The treatment for Unattractive Smile depends on the cause of the condition. The treatment options include:
1. Undertake professional teeth cleaning (including teeth whitening procedures)
2. Use of dental veneers (porcelain or resin) or crowns, to mask discolored tooth
or broken tooth
3. Undertake treatment for any tooth decay and/or gum disease, including
undertaking root canal therapy, if necessary
4. Use of dental braces as recommended for a period of time, to correct
unevenness of teeth along the dental arches
5. Use of dental prosthetic devices to rectify oral cavity (teeth) issues
6. Orthodontic treatment to correct misaligned or abnormal teeth, to correct
‘bites’, and improve one’s appearance
7. If necessary, certain surgical corrective measures, such as orthognathic
surgery or jaw surgery, may be considered
8. Cosmetic surgery to correct any lip or nose issues, if necessary.

How can Unattractive Smile be Prevented?
The following measures may be considered to prevent Unattractive Smile, in some cases:
1. Practice good oral hygiene and care: Daily brushing (twice or after meals)
using soft-bristled toothbrushes and flossing to prevent buildup of plaque
2. Avoid drinking beverages (tea and coffee) continuously throughout the day;
use straws for fizzy drinks. Also, regularly wash mouth after having such
drinks
3. Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco including chewing betel nut leaves
4. Exposing young children to fluoride toothpastes may cause teeth
discoloration, since the enamel is not fully formed in them. Check with your
dentist prior to using fluoride-based products in children
5. Visit a Dental Surgeon regularly to have teeth cleaned professionally.