Comparative Evaluation of Facial and Profile Esthetic Perceptions by Orthodontists, Dentists and Lay People

Prior research has demonstrated that orthodontists' perceptions and preferences regarding smile esthetics may not consistently align with those of their patients.Therefore, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the patient's perception of their own smile could aid orthodontists in formulating suitable treatment plans.This understanding can help bridge potential disparities in esthetic opinions between individuals without professional expertise and those within the field. 4A number of studies 4-6 have also examined how patients perceive themselves compared to orthodontists and laypeople, using their unaltered images for assessment.For instance, Ioi et al. 6 found that orthodontists and dental students rated the attractiveness of smiling photographs similarly.However, some researchers did not observe variations in smile attractiveness IntroductIonIn modern society, the smile is an important factor associated with interpersonal and social relationships.The significance of facial attractiveness is considerable, exerting a profound influence on social interactions.Its impact extends to opportunities for forming affectionate bonds, evaluations of individual personality, performance appraisals, assessments of personal attractiveness, cultivation of self-esteem, and the augmentation of prospects in the realm of employment. 1 Individuals deemed attractive, whether children or adults, often receive more favorable assessments than their less attractive counterparts.This trend persists even among individuals who are acquainted with them.Furthermore, attractive individuals frequently exhibit more positive behaviors and traits. 2 However, the perception of a smile's esthetic appeal is inherently subjective, being heavily influenced by personal experiences.An individual's esthetic evaluation is substantially influenced by factors such as educational attainment, societal status, and cultural disparities. 3acilitating the enhancement of facial esthetics and the attainment of an improved smile should stand as the paramount objective of any treatment.The pivotal roles of the dentist and the orthodontist are instrumental in guiding patients to make informed decisions based on their specific treatment needs. 1 In light of these beauty principles, the correction of malocclusion in isolation may not be considered successful if the outcome does not yield satisfactory facial esthetics.The visual aspects of the teeth and smile are vital components of facial attractiveness, with particular emphasis placed on the soft-tissue contour, marking a crucial phase in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.