Cosmetic Dentistry Directory Blog

In the 1800s, Guillaume Duchenne made tremendous contributions to the burgeoning field of neurology. He spent many years researching and analyzing the ways that electric current traveled through the human body and how it impacted various muscle groups. In particular, Duchenne was most interested in determining how people created a “genuine” smile. In other words, what went into the formation of a smile that was genuine and sincere compared with a phony smile being flashed based on the social needs of a particular situation?

Duchenne eventually used electrodes to send an electric current into the facial muscles of his research subjects in an attempt to isolate the factors which predict when a smile is truly genuine. He photographed the results of his electric shock experiments and compiled a comprehensive gallery of facial expressions. This work led to what has become known as the “Duchenne smile.”

The Duchenne smile is a genuine smile giving off a sense of happiness and warmth. It is created when two muscle groups work in conjunction with each other. Cheek muscles act on the lips to turn them upwards, while the muscles under your eyes contract to crinkle the skin along the sides of the eyes. When these two movements occur together, a truly genuine smile is generated. This smile is considered genuine because while the movement of the lips by your cheek muscles can be performed voluntarily, the crinkling of your eyes is an involuntary motion. Therefore, a smile that simply moves the lips while failing to engage the eyes can be faked, while one that results in a crinkling of your eyes can only be generated out of sincerity.

So how happy are you with your Duchenne smile? If you are hesitant to flash your Duchenne smile due to self consciousness over your teeth and gums, then you might want to consider a smile makeover. A smile makeover consists of a series of cosmetic dentistry procedures which will correct any aesthetic flaws with your smile. This life changing procedure can help you achieve a Duchenne smile that is truly radiant and beautiful.

Please contact an experienced cosmetic dentist in your area today to schedule your smile makeover consultation.