[Targeting the smile: why don't we aim at the lips?].

INTRODUCTION

The smile is more than a question of well-aligned teeth. Harmonization of the dentition with the soft tissues is the key to a beautiful smile. This abundantly illustrated article looks more closely therefore at the lips and their movements.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The article begins by explicating the terminology relevant to the lips, then addresses the notions of volume, mobility and aging, and concludes by examining the orthodontic clinical dimension.

DISCUSSION

Practitioners must be fully informed when assessing requests for treatment formulated by adult patients and a detailed analysis must be made of the lips at rest and during functioning. Harmony of both the teeth and the soft tissues is indispensable to a beautiful smile. A multidisciplinary approach is often necessary.

CONCLUSION

Restoring the patient's smile therefore obliges the practitioner to think beyond mere problems of dental occlusion.