Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026
10:42
A Postoperative Evaluation Guideline for Computer-Assisted Reconstruction of the Mandible
Published on: January 28, 2020
The relationship between posttreatment smile esthetics and the ABO Objective Grading System
Brian J Schabel1, James A McNamara, Tiziano Baccetti
1Santa Cruz, CA, USA.
The Angle Orthodontist
|February 28, 2008
Summary
The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Objective Grading System scores showed very weak correlations with perceived smile aesthetics. Current ABO grading components do not predict attractive or unattractive smiles in orthodontic patients.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Dental Aesthetics
- Treatment Outcome Assessment
Background:
- The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) developed an Objective Grading System to standardize orthodontic treatment evaluation.
- Assessing smile aesthetics is crucial for patient satisfaction and overall treatment success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the correlation between the components of the ABO Objective Grading System and perceived smile esthetics.
- To investigate if the ABO Grading System can predict smile attractiveness.
Main Methods:
- Clinical photographs of 48 orthodontically treated patients were evaluated by orthodontists and parents.
- Dental casts and radiographs were scored using the ABO Objective Grading System.
- Pearson correlation and logistic regression analyses were performed to assess relationships.
Main Results:
- All components of the ABO Objective Grading System demonstrated extremely weak correlations with perceived smile attractiveness (r values from -0.11 to 0.14).
- Neither the total scores nor individual components of the ABO Grading System could predict whether a smile was considered attractive or unattractive.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that the current ABO Objective Grading System may not fully capture the nuances of smile esthetics.
- Additional criteria, specifically those evaluating smile characteristics, might be necessary for a comprehensive assessment of orthodontic treatment outcomes.