WHAT IS THE GOLDEN PROPORTION?
12 APR 2023
"Have you ever marvelled at the perfection of a seashell and the way it spirals out without a single imperfection? "
Have you ever marvelled at the perfection of a seashell and the way it spirals out without a single imperfection?
Or held a leaf up to the sun and examined the immaculately balanced pattern within?
These magical, naturally occurring patterns are what are often referred to featuring ‘The Golden Proportion’.
Represented by the Greek letter ‘phi’, it is a ratio of 1.618:1, this so-called golden ratio also crops up in the shape of weather fronts such as hurricanes, as well as in elephant tusks and even ants and bees.
Some historians have even mused that it might have been used in the construction of the pyramids in Ancient Egypt.
Or held a leaf up to the sun and examined the immaculately balanced pattern within?
These magical, naturally occurring patterns are what are often referred to featuring ‘The Golden Proportion’.
Represented by the Greek letter ‘phi’, it is a ratio of 1.618:1, this so-called golden ratio also crops up in the shape of weather fronts such as hurricanes, as well as in elephant tusks and even ants and bees.
Some historians have even mused that it might have been used in the construction of the pyramids in Ancient Egypt.
What is the golden ratio in dentistry?
The golden ratio has been described as a mathematical connection between two aspects of an object.
Also sometimes referred to as the ‘divine proportion’, it has been used for centuries in art, architecture and design.
It is also commonly used in dentistry, as Pro Smile founder Dr Julian Perry explains: “Dentists use the Golden Proportion as a guideline for determining the ideal size and proportions of teeth, particularly in cosmetic or restorative dentistry.
“It’s used to find the ideal ratio of the visible portion of a tooth, including the width and length of the front teeth, the size and position of the lateral incisors, and the proportions of the upper and lower teeth.
“The use of the Golden Proportion in dentistry is based on the idea that teeth that are proportioned according to this ratio are more aesthetically pleasing and harmonious and can enhance the overall appearance of the smile.”
The important word to remember when it comes to the use of the golden ratio in dentistry is ‘guideline’.
That’s because every individual is different and one single mathematical formula might work well for Mother Nature creating nature by numbers but it doesn’t always work when it comes to improving an individual’s appearance.
As Dr Perry reminds us: “The Golden Proportion should not be used as a strict rule for all patients. Every patient's teeth and facial features are unique, and the ideal proportions may vary depending on individual factors such as age, gender, and facial structure.”
Also sometimes referred to as the ‘divine proportion’, it has been used for centuries in art, architecture and design.
It is also commonly used in dentistry, as Pro Smile founder Dr Julian Perry explains: “Dentists use the Golden Proportion as a guideline for determining the ideal size and proportions of teeth, particularly in cosmetic or restorative dentistry.
“It’s used to find the ideal ratio of the visible portion of a tooth, including the width and length of the front teeth, the size and position of the lateral incisors, and the proportions of the upper and lower teeth.
“The use of the Golden Proportion in dentistry is based on the idea that teeth that are proportioned according to this ratio are more aesthetically pleasing and harmonious and can enhance the overall appearance of the smile.”
The important word to remember when it comes to the use of the golden ratio in dentistry is ‘guideline’.
That’s because every individual is different and one single mathematical formula might work well for Mother Nature creating nature by numbers but it doesn’t always work when it comes to improving an individual’s appearance.
As Dr Perry reminds us: “The Golden Proportion should not be used as a strict rule for all patients. Every patient's teeth and facial features are unique, and the ideal proportions may vary depending on individual factors such as age, gender, and facial structure.”
Improve your appearance with teeth whitening
Your dentist will attempt to apply the golden ratio guidance to your smile when working to improve your appearance.
But as Dr Perry says, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach - and the same goes for many aspects of dental work, including teeth whitening.
Teeth whitening with Pro Smile can drastically improve your look and also boost confidence. Yet the length of treatment an individual needs to reach their whitening goal is unique to them.
If you are able to whiten your teeth (some people can’t such as pregnant women or those with loose teeth - check out our FAQs here) your expert Pro Smile dentist will advise on a course of treatment to suit you.
Dr Perry says one of the most common questions he gets asked is how long teeth whitening will take. He says: “It all comes down to the individual and their unique rate of tooth colour change.
“With all types of teeth whitening products, the results will vary from person to person, and depend largely on the original colour of the teeth, the condition of the teeth, the type of staining present and compliance with the teeth whitening regime.
“Teeth whitening is more effective on teeth that are yellow and “off white”. Teeth that are shades of brown and grey are more difficult to whiten and will require a longer treatment.
“The usual rule is if your teeth are darker than the whites of your eyes you will get a good result.”
So when you next speak to your Pro Smile dentist or your local practice and ask about the golden proportion, remember that almost nobody is able to achieve it absolutely.
Your dentist will do their best to work with your individual features to get you the very best result possible.
With Pro Smile you can expect to get whiter teeth in as little as three to four weeks, which is a lot quicker than your high street dentist, and will certainly improve your appearance.
Tooth whitening enhances what you have, meaning the shape and contours remain unchanged. But it certainly won’t do you any harm if you’re hoping to get yourself a step closer to that elusive golden ratio.
Click here to order your Pro Smile teeth whitening kit today!
But as Dr Perry says, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach - and the same goes for many aspects of dental work, including teeth whitening.
Teeth whitening with Pro Smile can drastically improve your look and also boost confidence. Yet the length of treatment an individual needs to reach their whitening goal is unique to them.
If you are able to whiten your teeth (some people can’t such as pregnant women or those with loose teeth - check out our FAQs here) your expert Pro Smile dentist will advise on a course of treatment to suit you.
Dr Perry says one of the most common questions he gets asked is how long teeth whitening will take. He says: “It all comes down to the individual and their unique rate of tooth colour change.
“With all types of teeth whitening products, the results will vary from person to person, and depend largely on the original colour of the teeth, the condition of the teeth, the type of staining present and compliance with the teeth whitening regime.
“Teeth whitening is more effective on teeth that are yellow and “off white”. Teeth that are shades of brown and grey are more difficult to whiten and will require a longer treatment.
“The usual rule is if your teeth are darker than the whites of your eyes you will get a good result.”
So when you next speak to your Pro Smile dentist or your local practice and ask about the golden proportion, remember that almost nobody is able to achieve it absolutely.
Your dentist will do their best to work with your individual features to get you the very best result possible.
With Pro Smile you can expect to get whiter teeth in as little as three to four weeks, which is a lot quicker than your high street dentist, and will certainly improve your appearance.
Tooth whitening enhances what you have, meaning the shape and contours remain unchanged. But it certainly won’t do you any harm if you’re hoping to get yourself a step closer to that elusive golden ratio.
Click here to order your Pro Smile teeth whitening kit today!
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