When patients come in with a narrow smile, they often don’t realize it can affect more than appearance. A crowded bite and limited space in the mouth can influence breathing, sleep, and overall health.
In this case, the patient had:
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A fixed retainer connecting all the teeth, making cleaning difficult.
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Crowded front teeth, including one tooth protruding forward.
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A smile that didn’t show the back teeth, giving a narrower look.
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A midline (the center line between the upper front teeth) that didn’t align with the face.
Why Widening the Smile Matters
By tipping the teeth outward to widen the arch, we can:
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Show more teeth for a broader, more balanced smile.
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Remove crowding and align the midline vertically with the face.
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Create more space inside the mouth.
That extra space isn’t just cosmetic. More room means more space for the tongue, which can improve airflow during sleep. Learn more about how we create beautiful, healthy smiles in our Smile Makeover services.
How Mouth Space Affects Sleep and Health
When there’s enough room for the tongue, patients can breathe more easily — especially at night. Better breathing leads to deeper, more restorative sleep. This patient shared that they are a mouth breather and have allergies that can make nasal breathing harder. Addressing the space issue in the mouth can reduce some of that strain.
Quality sleep is linked to better energy during the day and long-term health benefits. Research is increasingly showing that good sleep is as important to longevity as a healthy diet. If snoring or airway issues are a concern, explore how our NightLase treatment can help open the airway without surgery.
Today’s Appointment
For this patient, today’s visit focused on a detailed examination of the mouth — without drilling or invasive work — to evaluate the teeth, smile width, and overall space. My goal is always to explain findings clearly, at a level that’s helpful for you as a patient.
Your smile is more than an aesthetic feature. It’s part of how you breathe, sleep, and feel every day. By addressing alignment and space, we’re not only improving appearance but also supporting your long-term health. You can see real examples of these transformations in our Smile Gallery.
Dr. Hugh Flax, owner of Flax Dental in Atlanta, GA, is a recognized expert in cosmetic and restorative dentistry.
As a former president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and an internationally recognized lecturer, he has contributed to advancements in the field through innovation, education, and leadership.