The art and science of smile design: Integrating tooth display, smile lines and proportion
This webinar explores the principles of smile design by integrating tooth arrangement, facial analysis, tooth and gingival display, and smile line evaluation. Participants will learn to apply the golden proportion and use the Chu Proportion Gauge to create predictable, esthetic restorative outcomes.
An attractive smile is created through the harmonious integration of teeth, gingival architecture, and facial characteristics. This webinar explores the fundamental principles of smile design and demonstrates how proper tooth arrangement contributes to facial balance and esthetic success. Participants will learn how to analyze tooth display in relation to the lips and face, evaluate the influence of soft tissue display and smile line position, and apply objective guidelines to create predictable esthetic outcomes.
The presentation will review the principles of ideal tooth proportion and contour, including the concept of the golden proportion as a guide for establishing pleasing relationships among the anterior teeth. Special emphasis will be placed on assessing the amount of maxillary tooth display at rest and during smiling, recognizing variations in smile line height, and understanding how these factors influence treatment planning.
In addition, participants will be introduced to the Chu Proportion Gauge as a practical clinical instrument for evaluating and idealizing tooth dimensions. Through clinical examples and case presentations, attendees will gain an understanding of how to translate esthetic principles into everyday practice to improve diagnosis, communication, and treatment outcomes.
Learning objectives
Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Analyze the relationship between tooth arrangement, facial characteristics, and overall smile esthetics.
- Evaluate maxillary tooth display at rest and during smiling to guide esthetic treatment planning.
- Assess soft tissue display and classify smile line variations that influence restorative and interdisciplinary decision-making.
- Describe the principles of ideal anterior tooth proportion, including the application and limitations of the golden proportion in smile design.
- Identify the esthetic characteristics that contribute to harmonious tooth size, shape, and contour.
- Utilize the Chu Proportion Gauge to objectively assess tooth dimensions and aid in the selection of ideal tooth proportions.
- Apply smile design principles and proportion analysis to achieve predictable, natural-looking esthetic outcomes in clinical practice.
Speakers
Dr. Stephen Chu DMD, MSD, CDT
More courses with Dr. Stephen ChuDr. Chu, received his undergraduate degree from Brown University and his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He obtained his Master’s of Science degree in Restorative Dentistry and completed the Advanced Education Program in Prosthodontics at the University of Washington, in Seattle.
Dr. Chu subsequently became a board-certified dental technician in ceramics and obtained a Master’s degree in Dental Technology from the New York University College of Dentistry (NYUCD). He is the former Director of the Continuing Education Program in Advanced Aesthetic Dentistry at NYUCD. Stephen J. Chu is a Former Adjunct Clinical Professor at New York University College of Dentistry in the departments of periodontology, implant dentistry, and prosthodontics having served for 26 years. Dr. Chu has contributed over 100 publications including 7 textbooks in the dental literature. Dr. Chu presently serves as the Associate Editor of the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry.
Dr. Chu is a recipient of the Peter Scharer Distinguished Lecturer Award (European Academy of Esthetic Dentistry [EAED] 2013), Society for Color and Appearance in Dentistry (Society for Color and Appearance in Dentistry [SCAD] 2015), and E. B. Clark Award (SCAD 2016).
