Perception of smile esthetics by laypeople of different ages

Abstract

BackgroundAge is a factor affecting smile esthetics. Three variables of smile esthetics associated with the maxillary anterior teeth and age-related changes have recently received considerable attention: (i) the incisal edge position of the maxillary central incisors, (ii) the maxillary gingival display, and (iii) the presence of a black triangle between the maxillary central incisors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of age on smile esthetic perception based on these three variables in a group of Thai laypeople.MethodsThe smiles were constructed from a photograph of a female smile. Smile photographs were altered in various increments using three variables: the incisal edge position of the maxillary incisors, gingival display, and a black triangle between the maxillary central incisors. The photographs were shown to a group of 240 Thai laypeople. The subjects were divided into two groups: a younger group, 15–29 years old (n = 120) and an older group, 36–52 years old (n = 120). Each subject was asked to score the attractiveness of each smile separately using a visual analog scale.ResultsSmile attractiveness scores concerning the incisal edge positions of the maxillary central incisors were similar between the two groups. However, upper lip coverage was rated as unattractive by the younger group. A gingival display of 0 and 2 mm was rated as most attractive by the younger group. Upper lip coverage and gingival display of 0 and 2 mm were considered attractive by the older group. Excessive gingival display (6 mm) was scored as unattractive by both groups. A black triangle ranging from 1 to 2.5 mm between the maxillary central incisors was scored differently between the two groups. The older group was more tolerant of the black triangle size.ConclusionsAge impacts smile perception based on maxillary gingival display and the presence of a black triangle between the maxillary central incisors, but not of the incisal edge position of the maxillary central incisors. Due to the variation in esthetic perception of each individual, participation between orthodontists and patients for decision-making and treatment planning is a crucial process to provide successful results.

Evaluation of the attractiveness of different gingival zeniths in smile esthetics

“…A similar result was found in a study 22 of the perception of smile attractiveness and its aesthetics standards variations, in which younger evaluators were more critical when judging smiles with diastema. Sriphadungporn and Chamnannidiadha 23 also concluded that age impacts smile perception. However, to Kokich et al 13 the professional evaluators’ years of experience and laypersons evaluators’ age did not influence the aesthetic perception.…”

Relationship between perception of smile esthetics and orthodontic treatment in Spanish patients

“…Most of these studies agree that the more specialized training the observer has received, the more sensitive his/her perception of smile esthetics will be [ 1 ]. Age is another important factor in the perception of smile esthetics, so that some irregularities such as gingival smile and black triangles are perceived differently by laypersons of different age groups [ 13 ].…”

“…Given the variations in esthetic perception and the fact that the treatment objectives of the dental professional may not coincide with the patients’ expectations, it is essential that the orthodontist is aware and understands patients’ concerns and their criteria for esthetic judgment before starting orthodontic treatment. Patients must be allowed to participate in determining treatment objectives that respond to their own perception in order to produce outcomes seen as adequate by both parties [ 13 ].…”

Nitrato de plata y despigmentación gingival de manchas melánicas: un reporte de caso

“…La sonrisa es parte importante de la estética del ser humano, y a su vez el componente gingival forma parte de esta al ser percibida durante este gesto (11)(12)(13)(14).…”