Effect of occlusal plane on smile attractiveness

Abstract

Objective: To determine the influence of the occlusal plane angle on smile attractiveness as perceived by a group of adult orthodontic patients and dentists. Materials and Methods: The first stage utilized a laboratory approach to record changes in vertical tooth position at different occlusal plane angles using a maxillary model mounted on an articulator. In the second stage, photographic manipulation was undertaken, using data from stage 1, to produce a computerized prediction of the appearance of the smile at differing occlusal plane angles (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 degrees). Finally, the five developed photographs were assessed by participants. Results: Alterations in the occlusal plane angle did affect relative smile attractiveness for both patients (n = 66) and dentists (n = 66). For patients, the 10 degree smile was rated better than the 0 and 20 degree smiles (P