A captivating smile is often one of the most noticeable features on the stage of a beauty pageant. While wardrobe, makeup, hair, and physical preparation are essential, some elements are harder to mask in front of the cameras.
Cuban models Yramsi Bárcena and Lizlauren Mosquera, contenders for Miss Cuba Universe, have opted to enhance their smiles before competing for the crown. They placed their trust in Dr. Vivian Menéndez of Art Dental Studio, following in the footsteps of Lina Luaces and Marianela Ancheta.
Tailored Treatments for Unique Smiles
These four Cuban beauties, despite having different needs, share a common philosophy: refining certain aspects of their facial expression while retaining their natural look.
The preparations of Yramsi and Lizlauren illustrate that the so-called smile design isn't a one-size-fits-all approach.
For Yramsi Bárcena, Dr. Menéndez performed crown lengthening, accompanied by a smile design on her upper teeth and teeth whitening on the lower ones. The goal was to enhance proportions and symmetry while maintaining a natural appearance.
Lizlauren Mosquera underwent crown lengthening and received a smile design on both her upper and lower arches to achieve greater balance and harmony.
"Every patient has a unique smile, which is why I don't believe in one-size-fits-all treatments. Our aim is to respect their facial harmony and work on details that can elevate their smile to another level without losing its natural look," explains Dr. Menéndez.
A Legacy of Stunning Smiles
Art Dental Studio's relationship with Cuban beauties didn't start with Yramsi and Lizlauren. Lina Luaces and Marianela Ancheta also previously sought the specialist to perfect their smiles.
Lina underwent teeth alignment with Invisalign, completing her treatment with just two veneers. Marianela followed a process involving Invisalign, professional teeth whitening, and two veneers.
Their cases help dispel a common misconception: that a smile design necessarily involves covering numerous teeth with veneers or undergoing a drastic transformation.
Small Adjustments, Big Impact
Today's aesthetic dentistry allows for a variety of options tailored to each patient's needs: invisible braces, whitening, gum modifications, veneers, or specific restorative treatments.
"There's a misconception that a smile design means applying veneers to the entire mouth. The truth is that each smile should be designed according to the patient's needs. In many cases, small adjustments can make a significant difference," Menéndez points out.
This approach also makes these treatments more accessible to those who view them as exclusive to celebrities or beauty queens. Enhancing a smile doesn't always require extensive intervention; the starting point, objectives, and professional evaluation determine which procedures are genuinely necessary.
Beyond the Crown
Aspiring Miss Cuba Universe contestants are keenly aware of the exceptional exposure their smiles receive on runways, during interviews, and in photo shoots. However, the desire to feel more confident when smiling isn't exclusive to those in the limelight.
With over two decades of experience in dentistry, Dr. Vivian Menéndez leads Art Dental Studio. Her work with Yramsi, Lizlauren, Lina, and Marianela reflects a trend towards personalized results while preserving, as much as possible, the natural characteristics of each person's smile.
As Yramsi and Lizlauren finalize their preparations for Miss Cuba Universe, their experiences convey a message beyond the runway: the smile one desires doesn't have to be out of reach or entirely different from what they already have. Sometimes, a few well-chosen adjustments are enough to shine.
Understanding Smile Design for Pageant Competitors
What is smile design in aesthetic dentistry?
Smile design in aesthetic dentistry involves customizing dental treatments to enhance the appearance of a patient's smile while maintaining natural facial harmony.
Why do beauty pageant contestants prioritize their smiles?
Beauty pageant contestants focus on their smiles because they are a key feature that receives significant attention during competitions, helping to convey confidence and poise.
Can small dental adjustments make a difference?
Yes, small dental adjustments can significantly enhance a smile's appearance, improving balance and symmetry without extensive interventions.