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The correlation between selected factors which influence dental aesthetics
P Sellen1, D Jagger, A Harrison
1Bristol Dental Hospital and School.
Summary
This study found limited correlation between facial aesthetics and tooth selection for dentures. However, anterior tooth arrangement and arch form showed a strong correlation, suggesting their value in dental prosthetics.
Area of Science:
- Dental Aesthetics
- Prosthodontics
- Biometrics
Background:
- Selecting appropriate artificial teeth for edentulous patients is crucial for aesthetic outcomes.
- Existing theories like Nelson's 'Aesthetic Triangle' and Williams' face form/tooth theory lack sufficient empirical validation.
- A reliable method for correlating facial and dental aesthetics is needed for chairside tooth mould selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the inter-relationship between five key aesthetic factors: face form, tooth form, arch form, maxillary anterior tooth arrangement, and palatal contour.
- To determine if these factors are sufficiently correlated to guide the selection of artificial tooth moulds for edentulous and partially edentulous patients.
- To develop and utilize a computer program for analyzing, classifying, and evaluating correlations between these aesthetic factors.
Main Methods:
- A computer program was developed to analyze images of aesthetic factors from 50 Caucasian adults (aged 20-31).
- Correlation assessment was performed using outline superimposition and classification methods.
- The study aimed to test established aesthetic theories and identify reliable predictive factors for tooth selection.
Main Results:
- Superimposition analysis revealed some concurrence between the evaluated aesthetic forms.
- Insufficient correlation was found to support Nelson's 'Aesthetic Triangle' or Williams' face form/tooth theory.
- A sufficiently high correlation was observed between anterior tooth arrangement and arch form.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests that facial form, tooth form, and palatal contour have insufficient correlation to be reliable predictors for artificial tooth selection.
- Anterior tooth arrangement and arch form demonstrate a significant correlation, indicating their potential as valuable aesthetic aids in prosthodontics.
- The findings challenge existing aesthetic theories but highlight the importance of arch form and tooth arrangement in dental prosthetic treatment planning.