AESTHETICS OF A HUMAN SMILE: MEDICAL-BIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL-PEDAGOGICAL ASPECTS

The theoretical article reveals the aesthetics of a human smile in the context of modern medical-biological and psychological-pedagogical research. The authors have convincingly proved the multi-functionality of the smile, distinguished the signaling (semiotic), expressive, therapeutic (health-preserving), protective (masking), representative, communicative, social, pedagogical, and aesthetic functions, defined their essence, and formulated the content. Emphasis is placed on the realization of the above-mentioned functions of the smile in physical culture and health and sports activities. Attention is focused on the aesthetics of the smile from the standpoint of aesthetic dentistry. The thesis is put forward that medicine as a synthesis of science and art is especially suitable for dentistry, where reconstructive and restorative interventions based on knowledge of the laws of beauty and the ability to use them in practice prevail. The artistic and aesthetic requirements for a dentist as an artist are outlined. The criteria for the aesthetics of a smile, formulated by the founder of the American Association of Aesthetic Dentistry, Dr. Evans, have been clarified and supplemented, namely: shape, size, color range, tonal saturation, spatial arrangement, evenness of teeth, an intact red border of the lips that emphasizes their whiteness, healthy gums. Based on anatomical and biological features, the types of smiles (commissural, canine, and complex) are classified, which contribute to the efficient work of the dentist during the design of an individual smile.