Perception of smile esthetics in cases managed with orthodontic alignment and prosthetic enhancement

Smile esthetics plays a crucial role in determining the success of interdisciplinary treatments involving orthodontic alignment and prosthetic enhancement. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate perceptions of smile esthetics among orthodontists, prosthodontists, general dentists, and laypersons using standardized frontal smile photographs. Hence, a total of 200 observations were assessed using a standardized rating scale, and statistical analysis was performed to compare differences between groups and assess reliability. The results showed significant differences in esthetic perception, with prosthodontists and orthodontists giving higher ratings than general dentists and laypersons. Reliability analysis demonstrated good-to-excellent agreement. Thus, we show that professional background significantly influences aesthetic perception, highlighting the importance of incorporating patient and lay perspectives in interdisciplinary treatment planning.