Tooth whitening is one of the most popular ways for people to improve the appearance of their teeth. But the color of your teeth is just one part of the impression that they make. There are some surprising factors to having youthful, attractive teeth that complement your overall look. If you're considering having cosmetic work done to your teeth, make sure you discuss all the parts of your smile with your dentist.

Size and Shape

Generally speaking, people with softer and rounder faces benefit from having smaller and rounder teeth. People with strong jawlines and more square faces, on the other hand, are flattered by blockier teeth. Sometimes these are referred to as feminine and masculine teeth, respectively, although there's no reason why you should limit yourself based on your gender.

Instead, consult with a cosmetic dentist about what shape of teeth would be most flattering. The size of your teeth is, in part, affected by your gums; laser gum reshaping can make them look longer or shorter. The enamel near the edges of your teeth can also be reshaped by grinding if your enamel is healthy and thick. The shape and size of teeth can even be altered through bonding or veneers.

Surface Texture

People think of smooth skin as being youthful and attractive and go to great lengths as they age to hold on to that smoothness. But your teeth are the opposite: smoother teeth can actually make your mouth look older. Since your teeth wear down over time, their surface will become smoother as you age. In addition, the edges of your teeth are usually more rounded when you're younger and wear down into a straighter line over time.

The edges of teeth can be made rounder with enamel reshaping. Excessively smooth-worn teeth, on the other hand, can be covered with more naturally-textured veneers.

Natural Coloring

Good tooth color means more than just whiteness. Teeth that are over-whitened, in fact, often look fake or have a plastic or chalky appearance, and they may even be mistaken for dentures. Part of having teeth that don't have this fake look is the surface texture. But another is choosing the proper shade for your teeth.

Whether you're changing their color through bleaching or by having bonding or veneers applied, you can use your eyes to set an upper limit for how light your teeth can be before they begin to look unnatural. If your teeth are whiter than the whites of your eyes, they are likely to look unnatural. To find out more, speak with a business like Glendale Dental Group.