Have you ever seen someone with a "perfect" smile but, for some reason, you feel like it just doesn't fit them? It's what we call the "catalog teeth effect." They’re those teeth that look too white, too even, and ultimately, too fake. At AM Dental Studio, here in Zapopan and Guadalajara, we know very well that your smile isn't something you pick off a shelf like a pair of shoes; it's a fundamental part of who you are and how you present yourself to the world!
That’s why we use Dental Visagism. Although the name sounds like a university course, it’s actually something very artistic and personal: it’s the art of combining your personality, your gestures, and your features so that your teeth look natural and feel amazing on you. If you’re thinking about giving your image a makeover, this guide will help you understand why your face is what calls the shots when it comes to choosing the smile of your dreams.
Why does your face choose your teeth?
We usually think that smile design is only about teeth, but that's not the case at all! For the result to look like a perfect ten, we have to look at the whole picture: your face. At the end of the day, we aren't just here to "glue on veneers," but to design something that represents you and makes you feel like yourself when you look in the mirror in the morning.
It all starts with your eyes!
Did you know that your face's symmetry starts with your gaze? When we design here in Guadalajara, the first thing we do is look at your pupillary line. This line is like the horizon of your face. If your teeth don't follow that rhythm or are slightly tilted, your smile will look crooked, even if the teeth themselves are straight.
What we're looking for is for the edges of your teeth to be the perfect frame for your eyes. When we achieve that harmony, your entire face lights up and you look much more rested and balanced. It's as if everything suddenly clicks into place!
Smiles that move with you (and don't stay still)
Your face isn't a static photo; you're always in motion! You talk, laugh out loud with your friends, make faces, and express a thousand emotions. That’s why in Zapopan we are fans of Digital Smile Design.
We don't just want your teeth to look good when you're serious. We want to see how your lips move and how much "tooth" you show when you speak. If the teeth are too long, you might talk funny; if they're too short, it will look like you don't have teeth when you laugh. We look for that middle ground where you look incredible in a selfie, but also when you're having a great conversation at dinner. The idea is for you to feel super comfortable in any situation!
The 4 types of faces: Which one is yours?
Depending on your facial structure, there is a tooth shape that helps highlight the best version of you. Check out these options and see where you fit!
1. Square Face: Pure confidence and strength!
If you have a wide forehead and a well-defined jawline, your face projects a lot of strength, determination, and leadership. It is a face type that naturally commands respect and confidence. You are one of those people who walks with purpose and knows what they want!
- Your ideal teeth: We like to use straighter and more angular shapes. These teeth have more defined edges that complement the strength of your jawline. This makes your smile look like it has a lot of presence and character.
- The special touch: Now, if you don't want to look so "imposing" or you want to soften your features a bit to make your expression sweeter, we can slightly round the corners of your teeth. This way, you maintain that image of confidence, but with a much more relaxed and approachable vibe. It's all about finding your balance!
2. Oval Face: The perfect canvas!
This is the face shape considered the most balanced of all. If this is your case, you're very lucky because almost any design will look great on you! This type of face usually projects a very dynamic, extroverted, and super relaxed vibe.
- Your ideal teeth: Rounded or oval shapes are your best friends. These teeth don't have sharp corners, but rather soft curves that follow the shape of your lips. They look super fresh and natural.
- Expert tip: When using porcelain veneers, we can play with textures so they reflect light softly, just like a natural tooth does. The result is so good that no one will notice you went to the dentist; they'll just see that you look better than ever!
3. Triangular or Heart-Shaped Face: Elegance and sophistication
If your forehead is wide and your chin is thin and delicate, your face is very refined and is usually associated with creative and detail-oriented people. It is a face shape that exudes elegance from every angle.
- Your ideal teeth: To keep everything in balance and ensure the chin doesn't look too "pointed," we design teeth that are slightly longer and have a narrower base, in a triangular shape.
- The design secret: In our Guadalajara clinic, we usually lengthen the two front teeth by just a millimeter. This creates a focal point in the center of your face and makes everything look more stylized with an incredible touch of class. It's like a visual mini-facelift!
4. Round Face: Adding structure and height!
If you have those cute cheeks and very soft lines, your face projects a lot of calmness, kindness, and a very friendly vibe. However, sometimes a round face can look "too" circular or childish.
- Your ideal teeth: To break up that roundness and add a bit more "angles" to your face, we use squarer and elongated teeth.
- The result? By placing teeth that have more verticality, we create the optical illusion that your face is thinner and longer. It’s like wearing vertical stripes on your clothes: it stylizes you. This gives you a much more mature, balanced image with a structure that your face doesn't naturally have. You'll be surprised by the change!
The way we do it at AM Dental Studio: Zero surprises!
We know that changing your smile can be a bit nerve-wracking, which is why in Guadalajara, we don't want you to have any unpleasant surprises. We have a very clear and friendly process so you can feel at ease:
- 3D Scanning (Say goodbye to sticky pastes!): We no longer use those horrible molds that made you want to gag. Now, we use a laser scanner that copies your mouth onto the computer in seconds. It is super accurate and very fast.
- Let’s talk about you (and only you): Before designing the first tooth, we sit down to chat. We want to know what you want to project. Are you an executive who needs to project confidence in meetings? Or are you looking for a sweet smile for your daily life? Your answers are our guide to choosing the ideal shape.
- Try them on before you decide (The Mock-up): This is the best part. We perform a trial using a temporary material placed over your teeth. You can look at yourself in the mirror, talk, and even take photos to see how you feel. If you feel a tooth is too long or too round, we change it right then and there! We don't do anything permanent until you say: "I love it!".
Resin or Porcelain? We’ll give you the real deal
Choosing the material is key so that your smile can keep up with your lifestyle, your coffee, and your meals with friends.
- Porcelain (The queen of aesthetics): It is the favorite here in Guadalajara. Porcelain is basically like a super-resistant glass. It doesn't stain with coffee or wine, has an incredible shine, and lasts a long time (easily 20 years if you take care of it!). If you are looking for a lifelong investment that will always look impeccable, this is the option.
- Resin (Fast and budget-friendly): This is a great option if you want a quick change or if you don't want to invest as much for now. It looks very good at first, but keep in mind that resin is a more "plastic" material. Over time, it can lose some of its shine or become stained if you smoke or drink a lot of coffee, which is why it requires polishing and maintenance more often so it doesn't lose its shape.
Questions we always get asked at the clinic
Does a personalized design like this cost more?
Not at all. At AM Dental Studio, studying your face and performing the visagism analysis is already included in our way of working. We cannot imagine creating a design without it being a perfect fit for you. The final price depends more on how many teeth you need and whether you choose resin or porcelain.
How long do I have to wait to show off my new smile?
Normally, between your scan and the placement of your final teeth, about 2 or 3 weeks pass. We take that time because we work with artisanal laboratories here in Guadalajara that craft each tooth by hand so they turn out exactly as we planned. Good things take time!
I feel like my face is a bit asymmetrical; does the design help?
Of course! In fact, it is one of the main reasons to get a smile design. We can play with the thickness and length of the teeth on one side of your mouth so that your face looks much more balanced and symmetrical. It’s like visual magic without having to undergo surgery!
Conclusion: Your smile is your best calling card
At AM Dental Studio, we are passionate about blending science with art. At the end of the day, it's not just about having the whitest teeth in Guadalajara; it's about feeling like yourself, with all the confidence in the world, every time you laugh. Your smile is unique, so let's design it to speak volumes about you!
If you’re around Zapopan, Providencia, or any part of the city, come see us! Let's have a coffee, talk about your goals, and discover together which tooth shape will make you shine the brightest. We’re waiting for you with open arms!
