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Smile attractiveness. Self-perception and influence on personality
Pieter Van der Geld1, Paul Oosterveld, Guus Van Heck
1Department of Orthodontics and Oral Biology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, The Netherlands.
Self-perception of smile attractiveness is influenced by teeth size, visibility, and lip position. Negative perceptions of gingival display correlate with neuroticism and lower self-esteem, highlighting the psychosocial impact of an attractive smile.
Area of Science:
- Dental aesthetics
- Psychology
- Social perception
Background:
- Self-perception of smile attractiveness is crucial for psychosocial well-being.
- Understanding factors influencing smile perception can improve dental treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate self-perception of smile attractiveness.
- To determine the role of smile line and other aspects in smile attractiveness.
- To assess the influence of smile perception on personality traits.
Main Methods:
- Participants self-assessed smile attractiveness using a questionnaire with a spontaneous smile photograph.
- Objective smile line height was measured using digital videography.
- Personality traits were assessed using the Dutch Personality Index.
Main Results:
- Teeth size, visibility, and upper lip position significantly impact self-perceived smile attractiveness (social dimension).
- Tooth color and gingival display are key factors in satisfaction with smile appearance (individual dimension).
- A gingival display of 2-4 mm with full teeth visibility was perceived as most aesthetic; disproportionate display correlated negatively with personality traits like neuroticism and self-esteem. Teeth visibility and position correlated with dominance.
Conclusions:
- Attractive smiles have significant psychosocial and dental importance.
- Objective and subjective factors of smile aesthetics influence personality perceptions.
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