Influence of Different Parameters on the Smile Esthetic Perception of Dentists, Prosthodontists and Laypeople

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine different parameters on the smile aesthetic perceptions of prosthodontists, general practitioner dentists and laypeople. Materials and Methods: A close-up, posed smile image of a young woman was digitally altered by using software. The shape of the incisal curvature was arranged as ideal, flat, reverse and the width-to-length ratio of the maxillary central tooth was set to 75%, 80% and 85% in the photographs. Incisal edge asymmetries in the maxillary central, lateral and canine teeth and midline diastema at varying dimensions of 0.5 mm, 1 mm and 2 mm were created. As the control group, a photograph without any asymmetry or diastema was used. A questionnaire was created using these photographs and subsequently administered by a researcher. The images were assessed by 180 evaluators, which included 60 prosthodontists, 60 dentists and 60 laypeople. Each evaluator was asked to rate the smile images with the help of a visual analogue scale. Obtained data were analysed by using One-Way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey test. Results: The ideal incisal curvature, small amount of diastemas and incisal asymmetries and 80% width-to-length ratio of the maxillary central teeth were more aesthetic to all participants (p<0.001). Conclusion: Laypeople's aesthetic scores were higher than those of general practitioner dentists and prosthodontists in all groups. Aesthetic scores increase as the size of asymmetries decreases. Diastemas and incisal edge asymmetries were less perceptible laterally.