Perception of Altered Smile Esthetics by Orthodontists, General Dentists, and Laypeople

Authors

  • Ozra Niknam Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
  • Shole Shahi Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
  • Jale Narimisaei Department of Computer, Energy and Data science Faculty, Behbahan Khatam Alanbia University of Technology, Behbahan, Iran
  • Mohabbat Mousaei Emami Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31661/gmj.vi.3947

Keywords:

Smiling; Esthetics; Dental; Dentists; Orthodontists

Abstract

Background: Considering the significance of creation of a consonant smile arc and gap of information on the role of smile arc, gingival margin position, and the golden ratio in smile esthetics, this study assessed the perception of laypeople, general dentists, and orthodontists from altered smile esthetics. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in 2019 with three rater groups: orthodontists (n=31), general dentists (n=49), and laypeople (n=61). A standardized frontal-view smile photograph of a female subject was digitally altered using Photoshop (version 19) to create images differing in (a) gingival margin position (four variations), (b) golden ratio (62%, 70%, and 80%), and (c) smile arc curvature (five variations). Raters, blinded to the alterations, evaluated each image’s attractiveness using a 10-point Likert scale. Due to non-normal data distribution, Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney, and Friedman tests were used for analysis (α=0.05). Results: The highest overall attractiveness ratings were given to the image with equal gingival margins for central and lateral incisors (M=7.16 ± 2.04), followed by the lateral margins 1 mm below the centrals (M=7.04 ± 2.01). Wider golden ratios (80%) were rated more attractive across all groups. Laypeople rated flat and reverse smile arcs significantly higher than general dentists and orthodontists (P<.05). No significant gender-based differences were observed in any category. Conclusion: The three rater groups had the same opinion regarding the smile attractiveness of most altered images except for the reverse smile arc, which was only favored by the laypeople.

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Published

2025-11-08

How to Cite

Niknam, O., Shahi, S., Narimisaei, J., & Mousaei Emami, M. (2025). Perception of Altered Smile Esthetics by Orthodontists, General Dentists, and Laypeople. Galen Medical Journal, 14(SP1), e3947. https://doi.org/10.31661/gmj.vi.3947

Issue

Vol. 14 No. SP1 (2025): Head and Neck Disorders: From Molecular Insights to Surgical Breakthroughs

Section

Original Article

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