Work

Perception of Altered Smile Esthetics Including Buccal Corridor, Gingival Display, and Smile Arc by Dentists and Laypersons

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A BSTRACT Aim: To evaluate the perception of altered smile esthetics, including buccal corridor width, gingival display, and smile arc, among general dentists and laypersons. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 evaluators (20 dentists and 20 laypersons) assessed nine digitally modified smile images representing variations in buccal corridor, gingival display, and smile arc. Images were rated using a 5-point Visual Analog Scale, where 1 indicated the most attractive and 5 the least attractive. The Mann–Whitney U test was used for intragroup comparisons, while the Wilcoxon rank test assessed intergroup differences ( P < 0.05). Results: Both groups rated smiles with no buccal corridors as the most esthetic (1.60 dentists, 1.35 laypersons), while excessive buccal corridors were least favored. Gingival display of 0 mm was preferred by both groups (1.55 dentists, 1.35 laypersons), while 3-mm gingival display was least attractive. Dentists preferred a consonant smile arc (1.50), while laypersons were less critical (1.70). Conclusion: Although both groups shared similar esthetic preferences, dentists were more critical of smile variations than laypersons. These differences highlight the need for patient-centered esthetic treatment planning, considering professional judgment and patient expectations.

Source: Journal of Pharmacy And Bioallied Sciences

DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_551_25

Authors: Kanika Arora, Sanna Choudhary, Rheia Baijal, Arun Tandon, Stela Kapoor, Sukarnnshree Swabhimaan

Institutions: Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana, KIIT University

Language: English

Topic: Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

Subfield: Orthodontics

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $250