Unveiling Leonardo’s Code: What a Dentist Saw in the Vitruvian Man

At our dental office in Ajax and Scarborough, we know how vital symmetry and structure are to the human body, especially the jaw. That’s why we were fascinated by the recent discovery made by a London-based dentist who may have solved a 500-year-old mystery hidden in one of Leonardo da Vinci’s most iconic drawings: the Vitruvian Man.

A Hidden Triangle Between the Lines

Leonardo’s sketch, drawn in 1490, is famed for illustrating how the human body fits perfectly inside both a square and a circle. But according to Dr Rory Mac Sweeney, there’s more geometry at play than meets the eye. His research, published in the Journal of Mathematics and the Arts, reveals that a third shape, an equilateral triangle, was subtly included between the figure’s legs.

This triangle isn’t decorative. It aligns precisely with Bonwill’s Triangle, a principle used in dental anatomy to describe the optimal alignment of the human jaw. This triangle connects both jaw joints to the midpoint between the front bottom teeth, forming equal sides of roughly four inches. It’s a key foundation in understanding how our jaws function properly.

What’s So Special About This Ratio?

Using this triangle, Dr Sweeney found that Leonardo’s proportions produce a ratio of 1.64 between the square and the circle, astonishingly close to the “special blueprint number” 1.633. This number isn’t random; it appears in nature’s most efficient structures, from stacked oranges to crystal lattices.

The implication? Leonardo da Vinci may have intuitively recognised that the same mathematical patterns governing efficient design in nature also apply to the human body.

Why It Matters for Modern Dentistry

At By The Lake Dental, we see this discovery as a reminder that science, anatomy, and design are deeply connected. Bonwill’s Triangle isn’t just a concept from dental school; it’s part of how we assess jaw function, balance, and even diagnose conditions like TMJ disorders. The fact that Leonardo may have integrated it into his work centuries before it was formally documented speaks to the lasting relevance of dental science in broader health conversations.

A Legacy That Binds Art and Health

Leonardo da Vinci wasn’t just an artist, he was a visionary thinker, inventor, and anatomist. And now, thanks to a dentist’s keen eye for symmetry, we can appreciate how deeply his understanding of the human body aligns with the principles that still guide modern dental care.

At By The Lake Dental, we share that same passion for harmony and precision. Whether it's orthodontics, TMJ treatment, dental implants or cosmetic dentistry, we offer a full set of dental disciplines to enhance not only the aesthetics of your smile but your overall quality of life. Because when your bite is balanced, your whole body feels it.

Book your appointment today with By The Lake Dental, your favourite dental office in Ajax and Scarborough, and experience the state-of-the-art dentistry.

Why Choose By The Lake Dental:

✅ +15 years caring for our community’s oral health needs

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