Smile Esthetics – Evaluation of Differential Perception among Laypersons, Dental professionals and Orthodontists

Abstract

Introduction: Orthodontic treatment is based on occlusal relationships, but with the changing paradigm, facial esthetics and smile have gained importance. Perception of esthetics by peers has become relevant to the patient. The objective of this study was to compare the perception of smile esthetics by three panel groups include Orthodontists, Dental professionals and Lay persons. Materials and Methods: 45 female subjects were selected (15 treated with extraction, 15 treated with non-extraction and 15 untreated /control group). Frontal and three-quarter view photographs in unforced, natural smiling positions were taken. These close-up smile photos were evaluated by a panel consisting of 10 orthodontists, 10 dental professionals & 10 lay persons. Each panel members rated the attractiveness of the smile on a 5-point esthetic scale. Results: The mean esthetic scores for the Extraction, Non-extraction, and Control groups of 3.01, 3.07, and 2.77 respectively showed no significant differences in over all scores given by the three panels. Interpretation & Conclusion: Subjects with ideal occlusions and Class I patients treated with or without extractions could not be differentiated by the three panel of judges by evaluating the smile.