This article reviews some commonly used esthetic proportions and paradigms in dentistry. Establishing optimal anterior esthetics frequently entails restorative, orthodontic, and periodontal treatment. Several guidelines have been purported to facilitate an esthetic outcome during the rehabilitation of the maxillary anterior teeth. The golden proportion, recurring esthetic dental proportion, tooth width : height ratios, vertical positioning of the maxillary lateral incisor, and the apparent contact dimension are examples of some such guidelines. Evaluation of these esthetic paradigms including their validity, esthetic significance, perception by laypeople, and the range of tolerance to alterations are very important considerations.
Clinical significance: This review presents a comprehensive analysis of some selected esthetic dental paradigms and recommendations for their application in the interdisciplinary management of anterior dental esthetics.
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