Abstract
The aim of this research was to evaluate age-related changes in the smile of Brazilian women. The sample consisted of 249 Brazilian women who had not undergone previous orthodontic treatment or facial surgery. They were divided into four groups, according to age: G1 (20-29), G2 (30-39), G3 (40-49) and G4 (50 or older). Standardized front view photographs were taken while smiling and at rest. Measurements were evaluated by ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey. The Chi-square test was applied for qualitative variables. Upper lip thickness at rest and exposure of upper incisors on smiling decreased with age. Most individuals (60.9%) exhibited a medium smile. High smiles were more often seen in G1 (45%) and less frequently in G4 (18.8%), whereas the opposite occurred with the low smile, i.e., G4 (21.9%) and G1 (6.7%). Variations among the groups were observed in the transverse exposure of the teeth on smiling. In G1 and G3, there was a balance between tooth exposures, so that the teeth were exposed as far as the premolars and/or molars. Most of the women (56.3%) in G2 exposed their teeth as far as the first molars on smiling, whereas most of those (40.6%) in G4 exposed their teeth only as far as the first premolars on smiling. As age increased, there was decreased exposure of the upper incisors, decreased upper lip thickness and lower exposure of teeth vertically and transversely.
Highlights
Encouraged by advances in technology and influenced by the media, people are increasingly seeking a good appearance, especially adult patients.1 The mouth and the teeth are the key components of facial beauty, and, just like all other body tissues, they change with age
The amount of incisor exposure when the lips are at rest or smiling can influence the perception of facial attractiveness, and should be part of any orthodontic evaluation
Post-hoc analyses showed a significant difference in upper lip thickness between G1 and G4, and between G2 and G4 (Table 2)
Summary
Encouraged by advances in technology and influenced by the media, people are increasingly seeking a good appearance, especially adult patients. The mouth and the teeth are the key components of facial beauty, and, just like all other body tissues, they change with age. The mouth and the teeth are the key components of facial beauty, and, just like all other body tissues, they change with age. Smile aesthetics depends on the interaction of structures such as lips, teeth and cheeks. Professionals should focus their attention on the morphology, length, width, volume and exposure of the lips.. The amount of incisor exposure when the lips are at rest or smiling can influence the perception of facial attractiveness, and should be part of any orthodontic evaluation.. The amount of incisor exposure when the lips are at rest or smiling can influence the perception of facial attractiveness, and should be part of any orthodontic evaluation.4,5 Incisor exposure at rest is closely related to age, caused by decreasing muscle function over the years, which increases the
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
