Facial profile preferences: Differences in the perception of children with and without orthodontic history

Abstract

Improved facial esthetics can be fully achievable only if facial preferences of the treated group are known. We hypothesized that facial profile perception and preferences could be influenced by orthodontic treatment. Differences in facial profile preferences between children with and without an orthodontic history were investigated in a sample of 1626 children aged 12 to 19 years (mean age, 14.8 ± 2.2 years) from 24 public schools in Zagreb, Croatia, randomly selected by using a cluster sampling procedure. Eight profile distortions for each sex, morphed by a digital imaging technique, were used for estimation. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Bonferroni, and 2 independent sample t tests were used to compare the preferences of the groups. A straight profile was the most favored in both sexes, regardless of previous orthodontic history. A bimaxillary alveolar protrusive profile with thicker lips was preferred among the female profiles, and a bimaxillary retrusive profile with flat lips and a prominent chin was preferred among the male profiles. Orthodontic history and personal facial profile had little effect, and sex had a slightly greater influence on personal facial profile preferences. It seems that orthodontic therapy has no clinically relevant influence on facial profile preferences. Depending on the patient's sex, orthodontists should have different criteria for treating borderline patients with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion and mandibular prognathism.