Abstract
ABSTRACTAimThe present study was aimed to determine whether adolescents make social judgments about other children who have noticeable enamel imperfections.Materials and methodsTwo schools with very different socio-economic profiles were selected using a stratified random sampling method. Children aged 13–14 years (school class 9) and 15–16 (school class 11) were randomly selected from these schools totaling to a sample size of 200. Half the participants rated full-face photographs of a boy and girl without an enamel defect, and the other half-rated the same two photographs with the digitally modified incisors. The photographic subjects were rated on a four-point Likert's scale consisting of six positive and five negative descriptors.ResultsBased on the gender of the photographic subject, the mean total attribute score was almost identical. However, it was lower for photographic subjects showing enamel defects as compared to those without.ConclusionThe dental appearance can influence value judgments in children.Clinical significanceIt is important to treat the enamel lesions and various developmental defects of the enamel as it may lead to a negative social judgment by peers.How to cite this articleNayak UA, Pawar A, Kappadi D, Prajapati D, Roy KJ, Wadhwa S. Visible Enamel Defects in Adolescents: How Do their Peers View Them?. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent, 2018;11(6):479-482.
Highlights
Many times we are judged by our appearance, including dento-facial esthetics
Based on the gender of the photographic subject, the mean total attribute score was almost identical. It was lower for photographic subjects showing enamel defects as compared to those without
Clinical significance: It is important to treat the enamel lesions and various developmental defects of the enamel as it may lead to a negative social judgment by peers
Summary
The influence of dental caries, as well as tooth discoloration on social judgments, have been investigated in the past.[4] Further, a sound dentition is often related to an intellectual and skilled, in contrast to individuals presenting with caries on anterior teeth.[5]. Personality traits are observed to be seen based on the dental appearances, there is insufficient information regarding the judgment of children or adolescents related to their dental status.[6]. Along these lines, the key factor inciting this study was to get information regarding clinical interventions in adolescents displaying visible enamel defects. The objective of the study was to assess the role of age, gender or socioeconomic status on how adolescents appraise other children with or without enamel defects
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