Smile preferences of orthodontists, general dentists, patients, and the general public in three-quarter and lateral views

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze differences in esthetic smile preferences between Thai dentists and the general population and determine factors that affect smile perception. For the analysis, in addition to the frontal smile view, the three-quarter and lateral smile views were considered. A computer-based questionnaire was used that comprised a demographic survey and multiple photographs of smiles. In total, 61 orthodontists, 180 general dentists, 378 orthodontic patients, and 421 laypersons were asked to select the most preferred digitally altered smile for each variable in the frontal, three-quarter, and lateral views. Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests with post-hoc tests were used for comparing groups. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the influence of demographic factors on smile esthetics. Significance was set at P<0.05. Chi-square tests revealed significant differences in preference between men and women and between the professional and nonprofessional groups for almost all variables. Demographic factors influenced smile esthetics in the nonprofessional group. Both sex and dental knowledge background affected smile preference. The smile preferences of observers varied based on the view, and therefore, the lateral and three-quarter views should be routinely included in smile analyses. Demographics negligibly affected smile perception in the professional group, whereas they significantly affected perceptions in the nonprofessional group, especially age and education.