Eight and ten units are commonly compared by people with a wider smile line, or whose side teeth are clearly visible when laughing. The main difference lies in the buccal corridor — the darker space along the sides of the smile.
Broad smiles and the buccal corridor
People with a wide buccal corridor may find that an 8-unit design still leaves some shadow at the sides. A 10-unit design, extending to the second premolars, is a design example sometimes considered to reduce that visible gap.
Same treatment, different scope
Both 8-unit and 10-unit designs use the same e.max-grade laminate approach, but a wider scope may call for more careful shade gradation and symmetry planning.
| 8 units | 10 units | |
|---|---|---|
| Buccal corridor | May remain partially visible | Design example aimed at covering a wider corridor |
| Suited smile line | Average to wide smile line | Very wide smile line |
| Shade gradation | Finishes at the premolar boundary | Extends to the second premolar |
| Maintenance scope | Moderate routine care | Wider routine care |
- Buccal corridor
- May remain partially visible
- Suited smile line
- Average to wide smile line
- Shade gradation
- Finishes at the premolar boundary
- Maintenance scope
- Moderate routine care
- Buccal corridor
- Design example aimed at covering a wider corridor
- Suited smile line
- Very wide smile line
- Shade gradation
- Extends to the second premolar
- Maintenance scope
- Wider routine care
See 8-unit and 10-unit cases
Frequently asked questions
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or a recommendation for treatment. Individual results vary, and any treatment plan requires an in-person examination at a Partner clinic.