Comparison of perceptions of computer-animated left- and right-facing profiles

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
• Facial Aesthetics
• Psychophysics

Background:

• Scientific publications vary in displaying left- or right-facing facial profiles.
• Limited research exists on directional bias effects on perceptions of treatment need, outcomes, and satisfaction.
• This study quantifies the physical basis of perceived facial profile acceptability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare patient and clinician perceptions of treatment need, outcomes, and satisfaction based on left- and right-facing soft-tissue profile images.
• To investigate the influence of directional bias and laterality on these perceptions.
• To relate responses to eye and hand preference.

Main Methods:

• Standardized left-facing soft-tissue profile images were digitized and mirrored to create right-facing profiles.
• Computer imaging and morphing software generated retrusive and protrusive extremes for five facial features.
• 24 subjects rated the acceptability and most-pleasing aspects of left- and right-facing profiles for Class II and Class III malocclusions.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found in the zone of acceptability, midpoint, or most-pleasing profiles between left- and right-facing images.
• Higher intercorrelations among facial features for acceptability judgments were observed for left-facing profiles (p < .001).
• The bimaxillary position significantly influenced acceptability judgments, with greater impact on left-facing profiles.

Conclusions:

• Directional bias in facial profile images does not appear to influence overall acceptability or preference.
• Left-facing profiles may provide more consistent judgments regarding the interrelation of facial features.
• Psychophysical and environmental factors are crucial considerations in computer-imaging applications in dentistry.