Do various degrees of tooth decalcification affect orthodontists', general dentists' and laypersons' ratings of smile esthetics?

Abstract

To compare the effect of various degrees of decalcification after orthodontic treatment (white spot lesions) on orthodontists', general dentists', and laypersons' ratings of smile esthetics. Eight photographs representing incrementally altered tooth decalcification lesions of maxillary anterior teeth ranging from mild to severe were shown randomly to the study participants. Photographs were rated by a matched sample of orthodontists (N = 42), general dentists (N = 52), and laypeople (N = 58). A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess perceptions of smile esthetics. The three groups of raters could distinguish between different decalcification levels. Raters gave more negative scores as the decalcification level increased. The three groups of raters were able to distinguish between various degrees of decalcification lesions. General dentists were the most critical of all groups when rating decalcification lesions.