Buccal corridor: the dark space beside the smile
Quick facts
- Definition
- Dark space between the side teeth of the smile and the corner of the mouth.
- Factors
- Width of the dental arch, projection of the maxilla and cheekbone, and breadth of the smile.
- Variation
- Present to a greater or lesser degree in many faces; not a flaw in itself.
- In HOF
- Joint discussion with dentistry; filler has a limited role.
The buccal corridor is the dark space at the sides of the smile, between the outer surface of the rearmost visible teeth and the corner of the lips. It shows when smiling with teeth visible and is part of how a smile is read, along with the smile arc and the smile line.
What determines its size?
Several factors act together:
- width of the dental arch and of the maxilla: narrow arches leave more space;
- projection of the cheekbone and midface, which affects the lateral shadow (malar hypoplasia can accentuate it);
- breadth of the smile, tied to the action of the zygomaticus major muscle and the modiolus;
- position of the teeth and lips at rest.
The space between the corridor and the cheek is also discussed as the buccal space.
What can HOF do?
The answer is limited. The buccal corridor depends mainly on teeth and bone, which is a matter for dentistry (orthodontics, veneers, expansion). Within HOF, the discussion involves support for the cheekbone and midface, which alter the lateral shadow, and care for the mouth corners, which can have volume and descent.
| Origin | Possible path |
|---|---|
| Narrow arch | Orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry |
| Lack of cheekbone projection | Assess cheekbone volume |
| Drooping corners | Assessment of corners and muscle, without promising |
In Harmy
Harmy projects the front photo at rest, so it does not represent the smile or the buccal corridor. The Cheekbone and Mouth Corner points are used to simulate volume, without predicting the effect on the smile.
Frequently asked questions
What is the buccal corridor?
It is the dark space that appears at the sides of the smile, between the rearmost teeth and the corner of the mouth. It shows when the smile is wide.
Is a large buccal corridor a problem?
Not always. Some people prefer a more discreet corridor, but taste varies. It is up to the patient to say whether it bothers them.