Treating a Narrow Smile

Treatment solutions for narrow smiles

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Narrow smile correction options: Improving symmetry and balance

Here at The Bespoke Smile, we believe that everyone should feel confident when they smile. A narrow smile can often be widened. Our team of dental experts is here to help you achieve a more balanced, confident smile.

With our tailored treatments and advanced techniques, we create a customised plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. Patients come to us wanting to widen their smile, and there are several treatments that can help you gain your ideal smile. Our cosmetic dental treatments are designed to solve functional problems as well as aesthetic, giving you a truly Bespoke Smile.

Dr Jethwa with a laptop
Before and after treatment of a narrow smile

What is a narrow smile?

A narrow smile describes a smile that shows around 6 of your teeth when you smile and is a common smile concern for many of our patients. It typically appears more subdued and may not fully showcase the smile’s potential. A narrow smile can be influenced by various factors, including:
  • Dental alignment: Crooked or crowded teeth can restrict how wide the smile opens.
  • Jaw structure: The shape and size of the jaw can affect the smile’s width.
  • Facial muscle movement: Some individuals may have less muscle flexibility, impacting how widely they can smile.

While a narrow smile can convey a sense of subtlety. At Bespoke Smile, we focus on enhancing your smile’s natural beauty, helping you feel more confident and expressive. Discover how we can help you transform your smile and embrace the joy of a wider, more radiant expression!

What causes a narrow smile?

Narrow smiles are caused by the width and alignment of the teeth and jaw. If a patient has multiple missing teeth, then this can affect the appearance of the teeth and cause them to look narrow.

A narrow smile can be caused by several factors, including:

Dental alignment

Crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth can restrict how wide the mouth can open during a smile.

Jaw structure

The shape and size of the jaw can impact the width of the smile. A smaller jaw may limit how far the lips can stretch.

Facial muscle movement

Variations in muscle tone and flexibility can affect how wide someone can smile. Some people naturally have less muscle movement in their facial expressions.

Gum line

A high or uneven gum line can also contribute to a narrower appearance, as it may limit the visibility of the teeth.

Injury or surgery

Previous dental work or facial injuries can affect the way the mouth moves and smiles

Genetics

Genetic factors can play a role in the overall shape of the face and mouth, influencing smile characteristics.

When a smile is narrow, the cheeks are not as well supported which can impact facial aesthetics and structure. Wider smiles are considered more desirable because they look more symmetrical and even. There are many treatments that can widen a narrow-looking smile.

Treatment options to widen smiles: Fixing a narrow smile

At Bespoke Smile, we offer a variety of treatment options designed to widen and enhance a narrow smile. Our approach begins with a comprehensive assessment to understand your unique dental structure and facial features. Based on this evaluation, we may recommend orthodontic treatments, such as braces or clear aligners, to gradually shift your teeth into a better position. This can create more space in your mouth and allow for a broader smile.

In some cases, cosmetic procedures like veneers or bonding can be effective. These treatments can reshape and lengthen the appearance of your teeth, creating the illusion of a wider smile. If gum exposure is a concern, gum contouring can be performed to achieve a more balanced gum line, further enhancing the smile’s width.

Before and after of a narrow smile
A dentist drawing on a picture of teeth on a tablet

For those looking for a more immediate transformation, we also offer smile design consultations, where we explore adjustments that can dramatically improve your smile’s overall appearance. Each treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs and goals, ensuring that you leave with a smile that reflects your true self and boosts your confidence. 

Let us help you discover the beauty of a wider, more expressive smile!

Cosmetics braces as a treatment options for narrow smiles

Cosmetic braces are an effective solution for addressing narrow smiles. Unlike traditional metal braces, cosmetic options, such as clear aligners or tooth-coloured brackets, are designed to blend seamlessly with your smile, providing a discreet treatment experience.

Throughout the treatment process, our team at Bespoke Smile will closely monitor your progress, ensuring that you achieve the desired results in a comfortable and supportive environment. With cosmetic braces, you can enjoy the benefits of effective orthodontic treatment without compromising your appearance. As your smile transforms, you’ll find renewed confidence and a sense of joy in sharing your smile with the world.

Treating narrow smiles with Invisalign

Invisalign is a popular treatment option for addressing narrow smiles, offering a discreet alternative to traditional braces. This innovative system uses clear aligners to gradually shift your teeth into a more optimal position, helping to create a wider, more confident smile.

Throughout the process, our team at Bespoke Smile will provide ongoing support and monitoring to ensure your treatment is progressing as planned. As an Elite Invisalign Partner, you can achieve a wider, more balanced smile while enjoying the benefits of a comfortable and discreet orthodontic solution.

Retainer
Dentist working on teeth

Composite veneers for narrow smiles

Composite veneers are an excellent option for enhancing narrow smiles, offering a quick and effective way to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Made from a tooth-coloured resin, composite veneers can be custom-designed to fit your unique smile, addressing concerns such as tooth size, shape, and spacing.

One of the key benefits of composite veneers is their versatility. They can be shaped and coloured to match your natural teeth while simultaneously creating the illusion of a wider smile. Composite veneers are also a less invasive alternative compared to other cosmetic options, and they can be easily repaired if necessary. With proper care, they can last for several years, making them a practical choice for those looking to enhance their smile without extensive procedures.

At Bespoke Smile, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. With composite veneers, you can enjoy a wider, more radiant smile that reflects your personality and boosts your confidence.

Fixing narrow smiles with Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain Veneers are used to widen smiles because they can change the shape, colour and appearance of the teeth. These veneers are a popular cosmetic dental solution because the application process is minimally invasive and quick.

Ultra-thin porcelain veneers can give the smile a fuller and wider look by using ultra thin layers of porcelain to mask the natural teeth using minimally invasive and often no preparation techniques. Veneers are such a popular cosmetic treatment because of their natural look and feel, as well as their tooth-like durability. With dental veneers, patients’ smiles can last 20+ years with proper maintenance and aftercare, and each set is hand designed by one of our dentists and are then hand-crafted by expert ceramists for a seamless look.

Other benefits of veneers include:

  • Do not harm gums
  • Stain-resistant to retain their whiteness
  • Strong and durable material
  • Minimally invasive procedure
  • Easy to maintain and care for
  • Quick fix for most oral issues

Transformation

Treating Narrow Smile Before & After

FAQs about Narrow Smiles

A narrow smile is characterised by limited movement of the mouth, often resulting in less visibility of the teeth. It typically appears more subdued and may not fully convey joy. Factors such as dental alignment, jaw structure, and facial muscle movement can contribute to a narrow smile.

There are several effective treatments to fix a narrow smile, including orthodontic options like braces or clear aligners to improve dental alignment. Cosmetic treatments, such as composite veneers, can reshape and enhance the appearance of your teeth, creating the illusion of a wider smile. Gum contouring may also be considered to achieve a balanced gum line. A consultation with a dental professional will help determine the best approach for your specific needs.



A narrow smile can result from various factors, including dental alignment issues, jaw structure, or limited facial muscle movement. Additionally, genetics can play a role in the overall shape of your mouth and smile. If you’re concerned about the appearance of your smile, it’s best to consult with a dental professional to explore potential causes and treatment options.

A narrow smile can be caused by several factors, including:

  • Dental alignment: Crooked or crowded teeth can restrict the smile’s width, limiting how far the mouth can open.
  • Jaw structure: The shape and size of your jaw can influence the range of motion, affecting smile width.
  • Facial muscle movement: Variations in muscle tone and flexibility may impact how broadly someone can smile.
  • Gum line: A high or uneven gum line can make a smile appear narrower by limiting tooth visibility.
  • Genetics: Genetic factors can affect the overall structure of your mouth and facial features.
  • Injuries or dental work: Previous injuries or dental procedures may alter the way your mouth moves, contributing to a narrower smile.

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“We create attractive, healthy confident smiles for patients that last for years.”

Dr Sam Jethwa

Narrow smiles

Last medically reviewed by : December 21, 2020

At Bespoke, we prioritise in customising and adjusting treatment methods and styles to perfectly suit our patients needs. We don’t promote a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to teeth.

Treatment solutions for narrow smiles

A narrow smile describes a smile that shows around 6 of your teeth when you smile and is a common oral problem among many of our patients.

Patients come to us wanting to widen their smile, and there are a number of treatments that can help you gain your ideal smile.

Here at The Bespoke Smile, we believe that everyone should feel confident with their teeth when they smile.

Our cosmetic dental treatments are designed to solve most oral problems so that you can rest assured that your smile is in the best of hands.

Book a free consultation today

What causes a narrow smile?

award-winning dentists and dental practiceNarrow smiles are caused by the width and the alignment of the teeth and jaw.

If a patient has multiple missing teeth, then this can affect the appearance of the teeth and cause them to look narrow.

When a smile is narrow, the cheeks are not as well supported which can impact facial aesthetics and structure.

Wider smiles are considered as more desirable because they look more symmetrical and even.

There are many treatments that can widen a narrow-looking smile.

Treatment options to widen smiles

Led by Dr Sam Jethwa, each and every dentist here at The Bespoke Smile is trained to provide high-quality treatment to create smiles which are tailored to the patient.

Veneers

Veneers are used to widen smiles because they can change the shape, colour and appearance of the teeth.

Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dental solution because the application process is minimally invasive and quick.

Ultra-thin porcelain veneers can give the smile a fuller and wider look without excessively filing or shaving the surface of the tooth.

There are several types of dental veneer:

See a full list of veneer materials here.

The kind of veneer you opt for will depend on your individual oral condition and preferences, and our dental specialists will advise you on the best option for you.

Veneers are such a popular cosmetic treatment because of their natural look and feel, as well as their tooth-like durability.

With dental veneers, patients’ smiles can often last a lifetime with proper maintenance and aftercare, and each set is hand-crafted by expert ceramicists for a seamless look.

Other benefits of veneers include:

  • Do not harm gums
  • Stain-resistant to retain their whiteness
  • Stronger and more durable than dental crowns
  • Minimally invasive procedure
  • Easy to maintain and care for
  • Quick fix for most oral issues

Alternative orthodontic treatments

Orthodontic solutions, such as fixed braces or Invisalign, are another way to improve the look of a narrow smile.

Both metal and clear braces are designed to re-align the teeth to widen the smile. In most minor orthodontic cases, a clear aligner like Invisalign can help straighten the teeth.

The magic of Invisalign is that they can align your teeth discreetly and invisibly so that you can smile confidently throughout your teeth-straightening treatment.

Why choose Invisalign?

In more severe alignment cases, traditional metal braces may be a more suitable option to help straighten your teeth for the long-term.

Alignment treatment using braces can last anywhere between 6 and 18 months, depending on your individual requirements. Read more about the treatment process for fixed braces.

Our dentists will be able to discuss your options with you and analyse the best route forward to restore your smile.

Call us today on 01628 488 538.

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