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Esthetics and smile characteristics evaluated by laypersons.
Catherine McLeod1, H W Fields, Frank Hechter
1University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
The Angle Orthodontist
|January 7, 2011
Summary
Canadian and US laypersons show cultural differences in smile esthetics perception. Canadians demonstrated a more discerning eye for ideal smile characteristics, particularly buccal corridors, and a narrower acceptance range for deviations.
Area of Science:
- Dental Aesthetics
- Cross-Cultural Psychology
- Facial Analysis
Background:
- Smile esthetics significantly influence social perception.
- Understanding cultural variations in smile perception is crucial for esthetic dentistry.
- Previous research has primarily focused on US populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Canadian laypersons' perceptions of smile esthetics.
- To compare these perceptions with existing data from US laypersons.
- To identify potential cultural differences in smile esthetic preferences.
Main Methods:
- Digital smile images were manipulated to vary buccal corridor (BC), gingival display (GD), occlusal cant (OC), maxillary midline to face discrepancy (MMFD), and lateral central gingival discrepancy (LCGD).
- 103 Canadian adults completed a computer-based survey assessing preferences for these smile variables.
- Data were compared to US layperson data using Wilcoxon rank sum tests.
Main Results:
- Canadian laypersons exhibited greater sensitivity to deviations from ideal smile esthetics.
- Acceptability thresholds for BC, GD, OC, MMFD, and LCGD were narrower among Canadians.
- Significant differences in ideal esthetic values were observed specifically for the buccal corridor (BC).
Conclusions:
- Cultural differences in smile esthetic preferences exist between Canadian and US laypersons.
- Canadians were more critical, showing a narrower range of acceptable smile variations.
- These findings have clinical implications for esthetic dental treatments tailored to diverse populations.
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