When we look at another person, our mind is automatically assessing hundreds of characteristics to determine the age, health, and gender of the person we’re looking at. Most of it is subconscious, and we pick up on subtle clues that aren’t evident to our conscious mind, and one of these subtle clues is the appearance of the smile.
We already know that a healthy smile is an attractive smile, and that your age is written on your teeth, but what about your gender?
Characteristics of Masculine and Feminine Smiles
There are many differences that separate the shape of teeth in a masculine smile or a feminine one.
First, the incisors, the four central teeth in your smile. These teeth tend to be larger in men, and also tend to have a squarer shape. They are hard and angular. In women, they tend to have a more rounded shape, and are smaller.
Next, the canines. Of all the visible teeth, these tend to be the most distinct between men and women. In men, they tend to be larger and sharper. In women, they are smaller and rounder.
Why Doesn’t My Smile Match My Gender?
Of course, not every man has what would be considered a masculine smile, nor every woman what would be considered a feminine one. In fact, there is overlap in the size of teeth between men and women. There are many reasons for this.
Evolution: There’s evidence that as humans developed more distinction in other facial features, they moved away from differentiating teeth. This may also be related to the fact that men stopped fighting or threatening with their teeth as they developed other weapons.
Race: Some groups seem to have more difference between men and women in terms of the shape of their teeth. For example, men and women from Europe are more different than those in Chile or in Thailand.
Individual: Just as some men are more prone to develop feminine breasts and some women are not, you may just have an individual characteristic that gives your smile an appearance more characteristic of the opposite gender.
Are You Unhappy with Your Smile?
Many people are unhappy with the appearance of their smile, and often they can’t pinpoint the reason why. If you think your smile looks too masculine (or feminine), too old, or too unhealthy, we can help. Porcelain veneers and other procedures can be used to reshape and rejuvenate your teeth so you have a smile that you are happy to show.
Please contact Beyond Exceptional Dentistry in Savannah, Georgia today to talk to someone about your smile.
