Laypersons’ esthetic assessment of teeth with de-or hypomineralization – a web-based survey

Abstract

Objective: To investigate young individuals’ esthetic perception of color on the buccal surface of maxillary anterior teeth, self-perception of own tooth color, and general dental esthetic estimates by using a webbased survey. Methods: A digital questionnaire was advertised on social media in 2024, targeting 18–30-year-olds in Sweden. The questionnaire included attitudes toward own tooth color, cases with molar incisor hypominer-alization (MIH), fluorosis (F), white spot lesions (WSL), and general dental esthetic estimates. Chi2 assessed differences between groups, and the independent sample T-test calculated mean differences in responses. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Out of 2,082 respondents (55% women, 43% men, mean age 25.1 years), 77% rated their tooth color as acceptable, with no gender or age differences (p > 0.05). Pigmented fluorosis was rated as non-acceptable by 94% of the respondents, followed by cases with WSLs. At least 90% cited deviant color on a part of a tooth (DCP) as a reason for nonacceptance. Even tooth color (mean, standard deviation [SD]: 8.02, 2.36) was rated more important than white teeth (mean, SD: 7.25, 2.04), p < 0.001. Conclusion: De-and hypomineralization on maxillary anterior teeth are perceived negatively by young individuals in terms of dental esthetics. An even tooth color was valued higher than white teeth.