Abstract
BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate dental student’s perception of facial attractiveness with regard to different combinations of anteroposterior malar-jaw positions using 3-dimensional (3-D) reconstructed images of subjects.MethodsTwo Chinese young adults (1 male and 1 female) with straight profiles and average malar projections were selected for the study. 3-D facial images and cone-beam computed tomography images of these two subjects were superimposed using 3-D imaging software. Lateral and oblique views of nine different images were created by moving the maxillomandibular complex and/or zygomatic bone by 4 mm either forward or backward along the sagittal plane. One hundred three undergraduate dental students (n = 24, 33, and 46 students from the Year 3, 4, and 5, respectively) then scored lateral and 45° oblique view images of the newly reconstructed faces.ResultsIn the present study, images with a neutral malar and retruded jaws were found to be the most attractive in both male and female subjects. In addition, the Protruded malar (PM) group (p < 0.001), and the Retruded Jaws (RJ) group were rated more attractive (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the Relatively Prominent malar (RP) group was rated more attractive (p < 0.001) when malar-jaw relative positions were compared.ConclusionThis study shows that a neutral or a protruded malar favours facial attractiveness in both Chinese male and female subjects. Therefore, an appropriate relationship between malar projection and lower facial convexity should be taken into consideration while designing the orthodontic/orthognathic treatment plans for enhanced aesthetic outcomes.
Highlights
Beauty and harmony are among those quantifiable objective facial characteristics that humans seek and long for [1] as they play an inherent role in social behaviour and perception worldwide [2]
A significant difference was observed between the retruded jaw (RJ) and neutral jaw group (NJ) of the female subject (p < 0.001), but not the male subject (p > 0.05) (Table 3)
Comparison of malar position and jaws This study demonstrated that the retruded malar (RM) group was considered less attractive than the neutral malar groups (NM) and Protruded malar (PM) groups, which was consistent with the popular notion that malar hypoplasia leads to poor aesthetic outcomes
Summary
Beauty and harmony are among those quantifiable objective facial characteristics that humans seek and long for [1] as they play an inherent role in social behaviour and perception worldwide [2]. Three distinct promontories including the nose, malar eminences, and chin determine a person’s middle and lower third facial characteristics [5]. Adequate balance among these facial promontories is what is required to achieve facial harmony [6]. Malar contour plays a crucial role in defining the shape of the lateral segment of the middle third of the face [7]. Being the widest point on the face, malar eminence is an important factor while determining facial attractiveness [8]. Rounded and thick malar contours are considered to be attractive among Caucasians [7, 9] whereas, a slender and ovoid face is perceived to be youthful and pleasing by Asians [10]. This study aimed to investigate dental student’s perception of facial attractiveness with regard to different combinations of anteroposterior malar-jaw positions using 3-dimensional (3-D) reconstructed images of subjects
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