You know that feeling when you smile in a photo and something just looks… off? Like your smile doesn't fill out your face the way you want it to?
There's actually a name for it: buccal corridors. Those dark, empty spaces at the corners of your mouth when you smile wide. And you're not imagining it — they're one of the most talked-about smile insecurities in both cosmetic dentistry and online beauty communities.
What Causes Dark Corners When You Smile?
Buccal corridors happen when your smile doesn't extend all the way to your cheek walls. Instead of a full, wide smile that lights up your whole face, you get shadows at the edges — making the smile look narrow, small, or "closed."
The cause is usually one of these:
- Narrow dental arch — the upper teeth sit in a narrow V-shape instead of a broader U-shape
- Small commissure width — the corners of your lips (commissures) naturally sit close together
- Underdeveloped lip muscles — the muscles that pull the corners of your mouth outward aren't as developed or flexible
Celebrities like Margot Robbie and Angelina Jolie are famous for their wide, full smiles — and it's largely because their commissure width is proportional to their face. More teeth showing = more youthful, confident, attractive.
What Orthodontists Recommend (And What It Costs)
Traditionally, if you wanted a wider smile, your options were:
- Palatal expander — $2,000–$4,000, orthodontist-fitted, takes 6–18 months, often requires jaw surgery in adults
- Braces or Invisalign — $3,000–$8,000, can widen the arch over 1–2 years
- Dental veneers — $1,000+ per tooth, permanent, irreversible
- Jaw surgery — $15,000–$40,000, significant recovery time
Most people look at these options and give up. The price is out of reach, and the commitment is massive.
The Natural Alternative: Soft Tissue Stretching
Here's what most people don't know: the corners of your mouth — the commissures — are soft tissue. Muscle and skin. And like any soft tissue in the body, they respond to gradual, consistent stretching and training.
This isn't a new idea. Orthodontic communities have been experimenting with commissure-widening for years. The challenge was always finding something purpose-built for it, rather than repurposed dental tools or DIY rubber band setups.
That's exactly what Looksproject SmileFlex was designed for. 10 minutes a day of gentle, progressive lip corner stretching — no needles, no dental appointments, no surgery.
Ready to widen your smile naturally?
SmileFlex is the only purpose-built lip training device designed specifically for commissure width. 10 minutes a day. Results in 4–6 weeks.
Get SmileFlex — $79.99 + Free Shipping →How Long Until You See Results?
Most users begin to notice changes within 4–6 weeks of consistent daily use with SmileFlex. The key is consistency — just like any physical training, results compound over time. The commissure muscles adapt, the lip corners begin to rest in a slightly wider position, and over time your natural smile width increases.
It won't replace orthodontic treatment for severe structural cases — but for the vast majority of people who just want a fuller, wider smile without spending thousands? SmileFlex is the most accessible option on the market.