Analysis of dental esthetic proportions in a Spanish population sample

The present study aimed to analyze in a Spanish population sample the compliance of the anterior maxillary teeth to the dental esthetic proportions described in the literature.

Photographs of the smiles of 78 individuals were calibrated and digitally analyzed considering the following proportions: golden proportion (GP), recurring esthetic dental (RED), golden percentage (GPG), Preston's proportion and Modified golden percentage (MGPG). For statistical analysis, the t-test of an independent sample was applied, and compliance percentages for each standard were recorded.

The existence of RED 70% or 80% has not been registered. The percentages of compliance with GP were within a range between 0% and 16%. The mean tooth width ratios were adjusted to the values described by Preston (P > 0.05), but the compliance percentages were low (3.33-25%). GPG only presented high percentages of compliance in the lateral incisors (53.33-62.5%). MGPG showed the highest percentages of compliance (50-68%).

After analyzing a Spanish population sample using smile photographs for the first time, GP, RED, GPG and Preston's proportion standards are not fulfilled and therefore, not suitable for treatments that seek a smile that reproduces natural principles. However, the values designated by MGPG with a deviation of ±1% are largely applicable for treatments that aim for a natural smile.