Correlation Between Cephalometric Measures and End-of-Treatment Facial Attractiveness

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
• Aesthetic Dentistry
• Facial Analysis

Background:

• Facial attractiveness is a key outcome in orthodontic treatment.
• Understanding the correlation between objective cephalometric measurements and subjective aesthetic rankings is crucial for treatment planning.
• Previous studies have explored these correlations, but specific findings in the Chinese population require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the agreement among orthodontists in ranking facial attractiveness of patients post-orthodontic treatment.
• To investigate the correlation between standard cephalometric measurements and the perceived facial attractiveness in Chinese patients with Class I, II, and III malocclusions.

Main Methods:

• 108 Chinese patients (equal distribution of Class I, II, III malocclusions) post-orthodontic treatment were photographed (frontal, lateral, smiling).
• 69 experienced Chinese orthodontists ranked the patients' facial attractiveness based on the photographs.
• Spearman rank-order correlation assessed inter-judge agreement; Pearson correlation and multivariate regression analyzed cephalometric measures against attractiveness rankings.

Main Results:

• High agreement (96.68%) was found between judge pairs, with moderate correlations (0.4 ≤ rs < 0.7).
• For Class I malocclusion, interincisal angle, L1/MP°, L1-NBmm, L1/NB°, and profile angle significantly correlated with attractiveness (32.8% explained variance).
• For Class II malocclusion, ANB angle, angle of convexity, profile angle, Li to E-line, Li to B-line, and Z angle showed significant correlations (43.3% explained variance).

Conclusions:

• There was a less pronounced association between lateral cephalometric measurements and clinicians' aesthetic rankings than anticipated in the Chinese population.
• A straight lower incisor position is desirable for Class I malocclusion facial attractiveness.
• Sagittal jaw relationships and lip prominence are key factors influencing the aesthetics of Class II malocclusion in Chinese patients.