[Psychosocial aspects of the face and the dentition: an overview]

On the basis of literature a description is given of the way people looked at body and face during history. Psychological and psychosocial consequences of physical (un-)attractiveness in general and of mouth and teeth in particular come up for discussion. Physical (un-)attractiveness seems to be of influence on the intellectual and emotional development and on the social relations of the individual. The findings lead to a theoretical model that can be used for further investigations on psychosocial effects of dental treatment within the departments of Special Dental Care.