Facial Appearance Research Articles

Comparison of the Opinions of Adolescents With Different Orthodontic Treatment Needs.

The aim of this study was to compare oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among adolescents granted (G) versus not granted (NG) publicly funded orthodontic treatment. Adolescents aged 15-20 years who were granted versus not granted publicly funded orthodontic treatment responded to a web-based survey, assessing OHRQoL in relation to functional impact, psychological impact, and motivators for orthodontic treatment. Before the survey, pretesting of the questionnaire was conducted to ensure its reliability. Differences between the groups were tested using the chi-squared and Mann-Whitney U-tests. Reliability was assessed using Cohen's κ and Pearson's correlation coefficient during the pretest phase. One hundred and forty patients, equally distributed between a G and an NG group, responded to the survey. Gender, age, and demographic distribution were comparable in both groups. All respondents expressed a high subjective treatment need and similar answers regarding functional aspects. Orthodontic treatment motivators (G: 86.2% and NG: 94.7%, p = 0.443) were primarily related to improved self-esteem, overall well-being, facial appearance, and being able to laugh without embarrassment. The NG group expressed a more negative OHRQoL impact due to the appearance of their teeth compared with the G group (p < 0.001) and a negative impact caused by the position of their teeth (p < 0.001). Orthodontic treatment need indices should aim to reinforce subjective measures as adolescents express similar motivators for orthodontic treatment, regardless of the clinician's objectively based decision about treatment need.

Polynucleotides in Aesthetic Medicine: A Review of Current Practices and Perceived Effectiveness.

Polynucleotides, complex molecules composed of nucleotides, have gained attention in aesthetic medicine for their potential to regulate gene expression and promote tissue regeneration. This review aims to provide an overview of the current practices and perceived effectiveness of polynucleotides in aesthetic medicine. A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted using keywords related to polynucleotides, cosmetic application, and aesthetic application. Studies were selected based on their relevance to aesthetic medicine and the inclusion of human subjects. The review found that polynucleotides have been used to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkle depth, and enhance facial appearance. The studies reported varying degrees of efficacy and safety, with some studies demonstrating significant improvements in skin elasticity and hydration. However, others reported limited or no benefits. The review also highlighted the need for further research to establish the optimal use and efficacy of polynucleotides in aesthetic medicine. While the existing literature suggests that polynucleotides may have potential benefits in aesthetic medicine, more research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and optimal use. Clinicians should be aware of the current limitations and potential risks associated with the use of polynucleotides in aesthetic medicine.

Age-dependent changes in skin features and perceived facial appearance in women of five ethnic groups.

Research documents effects of skin features on assessments of age, health and attractiveness of female faces. Ethnic variation also has been reported for the impact of age-related changes in skin features on face assessments. Here, we investigate women's self-ratings across age cohorts and ethnic groups and discrepancies with (non-expert) assessor ratings of facial appearance together with age-dependent changes in skin features. Faces of women 20-65 years from five ethnic groups (each n = 36) were imaged. Participants provided self-ratings of age, health and attractiveness, and were judged on these attributes by members of the same ethnic group (each n = 120). Digital image analysis was used to quantify skin gloss, tone evenness, wrinkling and sagging. Age-dependent changes in ratings and skin features within and between ethnic groups were assessed by comparing information from 10-year cohorts. We also tested whether menopausal status could be predicted by self-ratings, assessor ratings and image-based skin features. Women of all ethnic groups judged themselves younger and higher in attractiveness and health compared to third-party assessors, with the largest discrepancies for age in French women and for attractiveness and health in South African women. In Indian and South African women, specular gloss and skin tone evenness were lower compared to other participants, and sagging was higher in Indian, Japanese and South African women compared to Chinese and French women. Women's menopausal status could be predicted from assessor ratings and image-based skin features but not from self-ratings. There are differences between women's self-ratings and assessor ratings of facial appearance. These discrepancies vary with female age and ethnicity. Age and ethnicity effects also are evident in age-dependent changes in skin features within and across ethnic groups, which together with assessor (but not self-) ratings of facial appearance predict menopausal status.

Realistic Facial Age Transformation with 3D Uplifting

AbstractWhile current facial re‐ageing methods can produce realistic results, they purely focus on the 2D age transformation. In this work, we present an approach to transform the age of a person in both facial appearance and shape across different ages while preserving their identity. We employ an α‐(de)blending diffusion network with an age‐to‐α transformation to generate coarse structure changes, such as wrinkles. Additionally, we edit biophysical skin properties, including melanin and hemoglobin, to simulate skin color changes, producing realistic re‐ageing results from ages 10 to 80 years. We also propose a geometric neural network that alters the coarse scale facial geometry according to age, followed by a lightweight and efficient network that adds appropriate skin displacement on top of the coarse geometry. Both qualitative and quantitative comparisons show that our method outperforms current state‐of‐the‐art approaches.

Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine in the Field of Otorhinolaryngology.

Otorhinolaryngology is a medical specialty that focuses on the clinical study and treatments of diseases within head and neck regions, specifically including the ear, nose, and throat (ENT), but excluding eyes and brain. These anatomical structures play significant roles in a person's daily life, including eating, speaking as well as facial appearance and expression, thus greatly impacting one's overall satisfaction and quality of life. Consequently, injuries to these regions can significantly impact a person's well-being, leading to extensive research in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine over many years. This chapter provides an overview of the anatomical characteristics of otorhinolaryngologic tissues and explores the tissue engineering and regenerative medicine research in otology (ear), rhinology (nose), facial bone, larynx, and trachea. The integration of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine in otorhinolaryngology holds the promise of broadening the therapeutic choices for a wide range of conditions, ultimately improving quality of a patient's life.

Can names shape facial appearance?

Our given name is a social tag associated with us early in life. This study investigates the possibility of a self-fulfilling prophecy effect wherein individuals' facial appearance develops over time to resemble the social stereotypes associated with given names. Leveraging the face-name matching effect, which demonstrates an ability to match adults' names to their faces, we hypothesized that individuals would resemble their social stereotype (name) in adulthood but not in childhood. To test this hypothesis, children and adults were asked to match faces and names of children and adults. Results revealed that both adults and children correctly matched adult faces to their corresponding names, significantly above the chance level. However, when it came to children's faces and names, participants were unable to make accurate associations. Complementing our lab studies, we employed a machine-learning framework to process facial image data and found that facial representations of adults with the same name were more similar to each other than to those of adults with different names. This pattern of similarity was absent among the facial representations of children, thereby strengthening the case for the self-fulfilling prophecy hypothesis. Furthermore, the face-name matching effect was evident for adults but not for children's faces that were artificially aged to resemble adults, supporting the conjectured role of social development in this effect. Together, these findings suggest that even our facial appearance can be influenced by a social factor such as our name, confirming the potent impact of social expectations.

The Use of Botulinum Toxin for Nasal Esthetics: A Systematic Review.

Physical attractiveness is commonly evaluated based on facial appearance, with the nose being the most noticeable feature. Botulinum toxin injection is a less invasive method for enhancing nasal esthetics, which can address minor nasal imperfections through relaxing muscles. To fully understand the uses of botulinum toxin in the nose area, a thorough review of the available information is necessary. We aimed to conduct a systematic review of literature to evaluate the effects and clinical application of botulinum toxin for nasal esthetics. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases up until May 2023 to identify studies investigating the use of botulinum toxin for cosmetic enhancement in the nose area. Data was extracted from the selected studies regarding the baseline characteristics, type of botulinum toxin used, dosage, injection site, and outcomes. Initially, 1139 articles were found and 23 articles were included. The studies showed the usage of botulinum toxin can correct drooping nasal tips, dilated nostrils, minor post-rhinoplasty deformities, and high columellar show. It can also augment nasal dorsum, improve cleft lip-related deformities, and address other disorders related to the function and appearance of the nose. Botulinum toxin injection seems to be a safe and effective treatment option for individuals seeking to correct minor nasal defects. Further large-scale studies are recommended.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for facial wrinkles and sagging: The 8-week prospective, split-face, controlled trial in Asians.

This study aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding the effects of high frequency facial neuromuscular electrical stimulation (fNMES) on facial aging, using a device equipped with CERTEC (Cell Energy Regeneration Technology) operating between 40 and 190 kHz. This prospective split-face study was conducted at Tokyo University Hospital between March and May 2023 with 24 healthy adult women aged 30-59. The intervention group used the fNMES device along with basic skin care on one side of the face, and basic skin care alone on the other side for 8 weeks. Evaluations included changes in skin wrinkles, sagging, and blood flow. This study found significant improvements in skin elasticity and degree of wrinkles in the areas intervened with fNMES (p < 0.05, respectively). In addition, the intervention resulted in significant improvements in jawline angle (p < 0.01), submental volume (p < 0.05), cheek volume (p < 0.05), maximum nasolabial fold depth (p = 0.03), and total volume of the nasolabial folds (p = 0.03). The fNMES intervention also showed improvement in blood flow (p < 0.05). These improvements were also subjectively assessed by the participants in subject questionnaires at 8 weeks after the intervention (p < 0.05). This study suggests that high frequency fNMES effectively improves facial skin elasticity, reduces wrinkles and sagging, promotes blood flow, and contributes to overall facial appearance rejuvenation. Although further studies are needed, high frequency fNMES appeared promising as a noninvasive anti-aging therapy.

Stereophotometric facial changes in edentulous older adults after rehabilitation with complete dentures.

To evaluate the facial characteristics of edentulous older adults who underwent rehabilitation using complete dentures, and to compare them with dentate individuals. Edentulism rehabilitation with complete dentures aims to restore occlusion and facial aesthetics. The study included 102 edentulous participants needing prosthodontic rehabilitation with complete dentures and 30 with a natural dentition (aged >65). The 3D facial scans were performed using an Artec optical scanner. Superficial facial landmarks were identified, and 16 parameters were calculated. Regional analysis with the superimposition of two scans was used to calculate the average distances and percentage of non-matching surfaces in the 11 regions. Paired and independent t-tests (α = .05) were used to test for group differences, as appropriate. After rehabilitation with complete dentures, facial changes were most noticeable in the perioral region: wider rima oris, longer upper lip, wider upper vermilion, and more protruded profile. The comparison of facial regions without and with dentures showed fuller and curvier cheeks, with no direct influence of dentures. The edentulous faces with dentures appeared shorter and more retruded than those of dentate individuals. A narrower lower vermilion, retruded upper lip, and more flattened facial profile were observed in females with dentures than in their dentate peers. Besides the expected positive influence of rehabilitation with complete dentures on facial appearance in the perioral region, there are some unexpected changes, such as fuller cheeks, but there is still deficiency in vertical facial dimensions and a more flattened facial profile.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Computer-Assisted Microvascular Mandibular Reconstruction: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Virtual surgical planning has become a well-established practice in head and neck surgery. In oncological surgery, it permits the achievement of safe margins resections and ensures functional reconstructions and optimal esthetic outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes after virtually planned mandibular microvascular reconstruction, focusing on functional and esthetic results, as well as health-related quality of life. Methods: A long-term retrospective evaluation of 17 patients with oral cavity malignancy who underwent computer-assisted mandibular resection and reconstruction was performed. Functional and esthetic outcomes were analyzed using the EORTC, QLQ-C30, H&N35, and FACE-Q questionnaires. Results: Time since reconstruction ranged from 7 to 14 years. Patients reported high functional levels on the QLQ-C30 functional scales but lower scores on H&N35. On FACE-Q, patients demonstrated higher appraisal and satisfaction with their smiles compared to their overall facial appearance. Conclusions: In this retrospective case series, patients undergoing computer-assisted mandibular reconstruction for oral malignancies achieved good long-term functional and esthetic outcomes. Although limited by the small sample size, these results support the enduring benefits of virtual planning for mandibular reconstruction. To minimize declines in function and appearance, considerations should include immediate dental implants, enhanced reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint, newer methods of radiotherapy to minimize xerostomia, and oral exercises to prevent trismus.

Facial Animation Strategies for Improved Emotional Expression in Virtual Reality

The portrayal of emotions by virtual characters is crucial in virtual reality (VR) communication. Effective communication in VR relies on a shared understanding, which is significantly enhanced when virtual characters authentically express emotions that align with their spoken words. While human emotions are often conveyed through facial expressions, existing facial animation techniques have mainly focused on lip-syncing and head movements to improve naturalness. This study investigates the influence of various factors in facial animation on the emotional representation of virtual characters. We conduct a comparative and analytical study using an audio-visual database, examining the impact of different animation factors. To this end, we utilize a total of 24 voice samples, representing 12 different speakers, with each emotional voice segment lasting approximately 4–5 s. Using these samples, we design six perceptual experiments to investigate the impact of facial cues—including facial expression, lip movement, head motion, and overall appearance—on the expression of emotions by virtual characters. Additionally, we engaged 20 participants to evaluate and select appropriate combinations of facial expressions, lip movements, head motions, and appearances that align with the given emotion and its intensity. Our findings indicate that emotional representation in virtual characters is closely linked to facial expressions, head movements, and overall appearance. Conversely, lip-syncing, which has been a primary focus in prior studies, seems less critical for conveying emotions, as its accuracy is difficult to perceive with the naked eye. The results of our study can significantly benefit the VR community by aiding in the development of virtual characters capable of expressing a diverse range of emotions.

A smartphone application for personalized facial aesthetic monitoring.

Methods available at home for capturing facial images to track changes in skin quality and evaluate skincare treatments are limited. In this study, we developed a smartphone camera application (app) for personalized facial aesthetic monitoring. A face alignment indicators (FAIN) system utilizing facial landmark detection, an artificial intelligence technique, to estimate key facial parts, was implemented into the app to maintain a consistent facial appearance during image capture. The FAIN system is composed of a fixed target indicator and an alignment indicator that dynamically changes its shape according to the user's face position, size, and orientation. Users align their faces to match the alignment indicator with the fixed target indicator, and the image is automatically captured when alignment is achieved. We investigated the app's effectiveness in ensuring a consistent facial appearance by analyzing both geometric and colorimetric data. Geometric information from captured faces and colorimetric data from stickers applied to the faces were utilized. The coefficients of variation (CVs) for the L*, a*, and b* values of the stickers were higher compared to those measured by a colorimeter, with CVs of 14.9 times, 8.14 times, and 4.41 times for L*, a*, and b*, respectively. To assess the feasibility of the app for facial aesthetic monitoring, we tracked changes in pseudo-skin color on the cheek of a participant using skin-colored stickers. As a result, we observed the smallest color difference ∆Eab of 1.901, which can be considered as the experimentally validated detection limit using images acquired by the app. While the current monitoring method is a relative quantification approach, it contributes to evidence-based evaluations of skincare treatments.

A scoping review on the potential of three-dimensional bioprinting in auricular cartilage regeneration

ABSTRACT Background: The human ear significantly influences facial appearance. Auricular abnormalities can arise from many causes, and the cartilage cannot self-regenerate. Three-dimensional (3D) printing and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing technology are used to create auricular prostheses through various methods to mirror the healthy ear. Despite advancements, challenges such as natural skin tones and growth accommodation persist. Bioprinting, using “Bioink” for precise cell placement, offers promising improvements for cartilage replacement and personalized auricular tissue regeneration. Aim: This review discussed recent and groundbreaking research in regenerative medicine for the auricular cartilage. The clinical studies of 3D bioprinting are the main topic of this review. This review aimed to clarify the transition from 3D printing of auricular prostheses to 3D bioprinting of patient-specific auricular tissues. Methods: The literature underwent a scoping review, making use of the keywords “Bioink, maxillofacial prosthetics, patient need, maxillofacial, additive manufacturing, auricular prosthesis, 3D bioprinting AND auricle, 3D bioprinting, auricle, cartilage, and Clinical applications of 3D bioprinting of auricle in children’s patients. Researchers searched the Cochrane, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and PubMed databases. Studies using cell-laden, 3D bioprinted constructs, Bioink containing living cells, or interventions to regenerate cartilage or auricle tissue, as well as the use of tissue-engineered 3D bioprinting in the maxillofacial regions, primarily in children, were included. Full texts, abstracts, and titles were all previewed. Significant groundbreaking studies were included after reference searching. The search timeline was between 2018 and 2022. Results: A total of 242 papers were assessed for title and abstract, with 13 judged appropriate for inclusion. Ninety-nine articles were removed, primarily because they were off-topic (unrelated) or not in English. A total of 13 publications were considered for study. Conclusions: Recent research has shown the potential of 3D bioprinting for tissue regeneration in both in vitro and in animal models. Human studies that have implanted 3D bioprinted auricles are still in their initial stages; however, the results are promising.

White Spot Lesions in Fixed Orthodontics: A Literature Review on Etiology, Prevention, and Treatment.

White spot lesions (WSLs) are a common complication after treatment using fixed orthodontic appliances. Decalcification of enamel surrounding fixed orthodontic appliances, known as WSLs, poses a significant aesthetic difficulty during and after treatment, as the purpose of fixed orthodontic therapy is to improve facial and dental appearance. Modern dentistry utilizes remineralization therapiesto non-invasively treat WSLsto prevent the progression of disease and enhance the strength, appearance, and functionality of the affected tooth. This review aims to identify and assess the etiology, formation, and risk factors, as well as current treatment approaches used in achieving WSLs remineralization, induced by fixed orthodontic appliances.An electronic search on the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases was performed using a selected keyword.A total of 172 studies (from 2013 to 2023) were retrieved. Their references were also checked to find other relevant studies. Duplicate copies were excluded. After the abstract and full-text screening, only 39 studies were included. Even though numerous studies address the different treatment modalities for managing post-orthodontic WSLs, such as antiseptics; fluoridessuch as dentifrices, mouthwash, and varnish, and remineralizing agents such as casein phosphopeptides amorphous calcium phosphate, biomimetic self-assembling peptides, lasers, bleaching, microabrasion, and resin infiltration. There is a lack of evidence-based studies that examine the long-term effects of WSLtreatment. Further well-performed controlled clinical trials with long-term follow-up are needed to establish best clinical practice.

Genetic Insights into Skeletal Malocclusion: The Role of the FBN3 rs7351083 SNP in the Romanian Population.

Background and Objectives: irregularities in the growth and development of the jawbones can lead to misalignments of maxillary and mandibular structures, a complex condition known as skeletal malocclusion, one of the most common oral health problems. Skeletal malocclusions, particularly Class II and Class III, can significantly affect facial appearance, chewing efficiency, speech, and overall oral health, often requiring orthodontic treatment or surgery to correct. These dentofacial anomalies are influenced by genetic and environmental factors and exhibit diverse phenotypic expressions. Materials and Methods: in this study, we investigated the correlation between the rs7351083 SNP of the FBN3 gene that encodes a member of the fibrillin protein family and malocclusion risk in a group of 57 patients from Romania. Results: the results shed light on the relationship between the selected genetic marker and the investigated dentofacial disorder, revealing a positive association between the reference allele (A) and Class II and that the alternate allele (G) is associated with Class III. Conclusions: cephalometric analysis revealed no significant differences among genotypes, suggesting that while genetic factors are implicated in malocclusion, they may not directly affect cephalometric parameters or that the sample size was too small to detect these differences. The discovery of an A > T transversion in one individual with a Class II deformity underscores the genetic diversity within the population and the necessity of comprehensive genotyping to uncover rare genetic variants that might influence craniofacial development and the risk of malocclusion. This study highlights the need for larger studies to confirm these preliminary associations.

Acquired High Flow Arteriovenous Malformation of the Lower Lip Induced by Hormonal Variation- Report of a Rare Case and Review

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are uncommon vascular lesions. AVMs are the most serious type of vascular malformations, causing substantial deformity and functional disability. AVMs of the acquired type are rarely confronted in the head and neck region. They may present as a medical emergency while performing dental procedures due to their potential for uncontrollable haemorrhage. Dental professionals should be aware of their potentially fatal complications and management. Accurate diagnosis of AVMs is critical and their management remains challenging. Vascular anomalies involving the lips can negatively impact the functionality and facial appearance. In this article, we discuss a very rare case of acquired AVM of the lower lip triggered by hormonal variation occurring during menopause in a female patient, 58 years of age. There are no reported cases of acquired AVM of the lip with hormonal variation occurring during menopause as the trigger for proliferation of the lesion. An overview of the clinical, etiological, diagnostic and management aspects of head and neck region-acquired AVMs is also presented in this paper.

Facial Anthropometry and Aesthetic Preferences in Malay Women: A Comparative Study

The study aimed to explore the relationship between Malay females’ facial attractiveness with golden ratio, neoclassical canons, “ideal” ratios and “ideal” angles; and to compare self-perceived facial attractiveness and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Malay females with different skeletal patterns. Sixty-four young Malay female participants each completed a set of self-administered questionnaires and have five facial photographs taken. The self-assessed satisfaction with facial appearance and HRQoL were compared between participants with different dentoskeletal patterns. Seventy-seven facial anthropometry parameters related to the golden ratio, neoclassical canons, ideal ratios and ideal angles were measured. Subsequently, 15 sets of photographs representing different skeletal patterns were randomly selected. A panel of juries evaluated facial attractiveness using a 7-point Likert scale. The correlation between facial attractiveness and measured parameters was studied. Results indicated that mean rank FACE-Q Rasch scores of participants’ self-rated satisfaction on their facial appearance and HRQoL were not significantly different statistically (p = 0.06–0.81) between Class I, II and III. One hundred and eighty juries (mean 24.33±3.82 years old) were recruited. No statistically significant correlations found between facial attractiveness rated by juries and measured parameters related to the golden ratio (r = –0.47 to 0.36; p = 0.08 to 0.98), neoclassical canons (r = –0.27 to 0.43; p = 0.11 to 0.96), ideal ratios (r = –0.32 to 0.47; p = 0.08 to 0.96) and ideal angles (r = –0.23 to 0.28; p = 0.31 to 0.92). In conclusion, the study found that the golden ratio, neoclassical canons, ideal ratios, and ideal angles were not found to be correlated with the facial attractiveness of Malay females. Therefore, these guidelines should be used with discretion during treatment planning and outcome assessment for this specific ethnic group.

Facial tightening using a novel vacuum-assisted microneedle fractional radiofrequency system: A prospective, randomized, split-face study.

The microneedle fractional radiofrequency system (MFRS) is able to rejuvenate facial appearance by heating and coagulating certain depth of skin tissue. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel vacuum-assisted MFRS for facial contour tightening. This prospective, randomized, split-face study included 21 patients who underwent three treatments with a vacuum-assisted MFRS at 1-month intervals. Half of the face was treated with the MFRS; the other half was untreated (control). Facial volume changes and wrinkles were objectively measured using a three-dimensional imaging system and VISIA-CR. Volume changes of the treated midface were -0.24 ± 0.75, -0.59 ± 0.92, and -0.55 ± 0.65 mL at 1, 3, 6 months follow-up; however, measurements of the control side were 0.08 ± 0.70, -0.08 ± 0.53, and - 0.10 ± 0.86 mL, indicating significant reductions (p < 0.05). The number of facial wrinkles on the treated side was significantly reduced to 12.44 ± 4.85 at 3 months and sustained at 6 months (11.11 ± 4.100) compared to the control side (14.89 ± 5.26 and 13.22 ± 4.44, respectively; p < 0.05). No long-term side effects occurred. The vacuum-assisted MFRS is safe and effective and is recommended for improving facial tightening and reducing wrinkles. This technology is sufficient to ensure the insertion depth, thus helping to improve the treatment accuracy and safety. The MFRS provides sustained effects for at least 6 months.

Exploring lived experiences on the usage of removable complete dentures among edentulous patients attending Makerere University Dental Hospital, Kampala, Uganda

BackgroundEdentulism remains a major disability worldwide, especially among the elderly population, although the prevalence of complete edentulism has declined over the last decades. In Uganda, the prevalence of edentulism in people aged 20 years and above is 1.8%. The therapy for edentulous patients can be realized through the use of conventional removable complete dentures, implant-supported prostheses, and computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CADCAM), however, the provision of removable complete dentures continues to be the predominant rehabilitation for edentulous patients. However, no published study has explored the lived experiences with removable complete dentures among the Ugandan population. The aim of the present study was to explore patients’ lived experiences on the usage of removable complete dentures among Ugandan edentulous patients attending Makerere University Dental Hospital.MethodsThis was a qualitative study approach using purposive sampling. Fifteen (15) respondents were selected across social demographics. Interviews were recorded and transcribed and themes were generated to draw a deeper meaning to the usage of removable complete dentures. A qualitative statistical package, Atlas Ti software was used to generate themes from the interviews followed by an interpretation of the generated data and the results were presented as text and in a table.ResultsThe reported key positive experiences due to removable complete denture rehabilitation were the improvement in speech, eating ability, regaining good facial appearance, better oral hygiene management, self-esteem and confidence to smile in public, and a feeling of completeness. However, respondents complained of pain and discomfort due to the looseness of dentures, inability to eat certain foods, and regular cleaning of dentures. The respondents did not go through proper informed consent processes before getting removable complete dentures.ConclusionThe study found that patients were satisfied with their removable complete dentures rehabilitation due to the positive experiences registered, such as the ability to eat and talk well, and restoration of self-esteem, all of which improved their quality of life. However, they experience pain and discomfort due to the looseness of dentures.

Decoding the language of first impressions: Comparing models of first impressions of faces derived from free-text descriptions and trait ratings.

First impressions formed from facial appearance predict important social outcomes. Existing models of these impressions indicate they are underpinned by dimensions of Valence and Dominance, and are typically derived by applying data reduction methods to explicit ratings of faces for a range of traits. However, this approach is potentially problematic because the trait ratings may not fully capture the dimensions on which people spontaneously assess faces. Here, we used natural language processing to extract 'topics' directly from participants' free-text descriptions (i.e., their first impressions) of 2222 face images. Two topics emerged, reflecting first impressions related to positive emotional valence and warmth (Topic 1) and negative emotional valence and potential threat (Topic 2). Next, we investigated how these topics were related to Valence and Dominance components derived from explicit trait ratings. Collectively, these components explained only ~44% of the variance in the topics extracted from free-text descriptions and suggested that first impressions are underpinned by correlated valence dimensions that subsume the content of existing trait-rating-based models. Natural language offers a promising new avenue for understanding social cognition, and future work can examine the predictive utility of natural language and traditional data-driven models for impressions in varying social contexts.