Facial profile preferences among various layers of Turkish population

There are many criteria and methods used to constitute and determine a standardized esthetic concept in orthodontics. However, the subjectivity of the esthetic concept is the common opinion of the authors. Ethnic and racial differences play a major role in diversifying esthetic preferences. The aims of this study were to determine the general esthetic preference of a Turkish population and to find out whether this preference was affected by sex, age, education, social status, geographic location, or personal profile. Toward these aims, eight profile estimates for each sex were morphed by a video imaging technique and then scored by 400 participants. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent sample t-tests were used to compare the preferences of the groups. The orthognathic profile in both sexes was selected as the most preferred profile whereas the convex profile with a prognathic maxilla and a retrognathic mandible were the least preferred. The public also admired fuller and protrusive lips in females and retrusive lips with a prominent nose and chin in males. Sex, age, education, social status, geographic location, and personal profile were also shown to affect the public's profile preferences.