Every Smile Type Explained
From Duchenne to social smiles — understand how expression type affects your Smile Score.
Analyze My Smile →Duchenne Smile
The gold standard of genuine expression — Duchenne smiles activate both the mouth (zygomatic major) and eyes (orbicularis oculi). They score highest on Smile Tracker and read as authentically warm in human perception research.
Read guide →
Social Smile
The polite, performed smile used in greetings and formal settings — mouth activates without full eye engagement. Social smiles are functional and friendly but score lower than Duchenne expressions on warmth metrics.
Read guide →
Closed-Mouth Smile
Lips stay together while corners elevate — a subtle, sophisticated expression common in editorial and formal portraiture. Can be genuine or social depending on eye engagement.
Read guide →
Open-Mouth Smile
Teeth visible with separated lips — high-energy, approachable expression that broadcasts warmth. Open Duchenne smiles typically achieve the highest Smile Scores.
Read guide →
Gummy Smile
Excessive gum tissue visible above upper teeth when smiling — typically more than 3mm. A structural variant, not an expression type, but it significantly affects smile geometry and photo composition.
Read guide →
Asymmetric Smile
One side of the mouth elevates more than the other — common and often charming. Mild asymmetry is universal; pronounced asymmetry may indicate muscle habit or neurological variation.
Read guide →
Nervous Smile
A tense, sometimes asymmetric expression combining smile mouth geometry with anxiety signals — raised brows, wide eyes, or tight jaw. Reads as uncertain rather than warm.
Read guide →
Smize (Smile With Eyes)
Tyra Banks' technique — engaging eyes and cheeks while keeping mouth controlled. A deliberate partial Duchenne useful for model photography where mouth position must stay precise.
Read guide →
Suppressed Smile
Attempting to hide amusement — mouth corners twitch upward while lips stay pressed. Reads as playful, knowing, or flirtatious. Partial activation creates distinctive blendshape patterns.
Read guide →
Beam Smile
Full, radiant open smile with maximum activation — wide mouth, visible teeth, strong eye crinkle, and elevated cheeks. The highest-energy expression on the warmth spectrum.
Read guide →
Polite Smile
Minimal mouth movement with slight corner elevation — the social default for strangers, meetings, and photos where full warmth isn't contextually appropriate.
Read guide →
Wry Smile
One-sided, often ironic smile — asymmetric by nature with a knowing or skeptical quality. Distinct from nervous asymmetry in its deliberate, controlled character.
Read guide →
Compare smize vs Duchenne or see Smile Score bands.