Perception of Altered Smile Esthetics Including Buccal Corridor, Gingival Display, and Smile Arc by Dentists and...

To evaluate the perception of altered smile esthetics, including buccal corridor width, gingival display, and smile arc, among general dentists and laypersons.

A total of 40 evaluators (20 dentists and 20 laypersons) assessed nine digitally modified smile images representing variations in buccal corridor, gingival display, and smile arc. Images were rated using a 5-point Visual Analog Scale, where 1 indicated the most attractive and 5 the least attractive. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for intragroup comparisons, while the Wilcoxon rank test assessed intergroup differences (P < 0.05).

Both groups rated smiles with no buccal corridors as the most esthetic (1.60 dentists, 1.35 laypersons), while excessive buccal corridors were least favored. Gingival display of 0 mm was preferred by both groups (1.55 dentists, 1.35 laypersons), while 3-mm gingival display was least attractive. Dentists preferred a consonant smile arc (1.50), while laypersons were less critical (1.70).

Although both groups shared similar esthetic preferences, dentists were more critical of smile variations than laypersons. These differences highlight the need for patient-centered esthetic treatment planning, considering professional judgment and patient expectations.