Effect of variations in the smile arc and buccal corridor width on smile esthetics from the perspective of an orthodontist, a general dentist and a lay person

Omer Shabbir; Syeda Rabbab Hasan; Warqa Wyne; Kainat Pervez; Talha Sarfraz

Effect of variations in the smile arc and buccal corridor width on smile esthetics from the perspective of an orthodontist, a general dentist and a lay person

Authors

Omer Shabbir BDS; Postgraduate resident Orthodontics, Islamabad Medical and Dental College, Islamabad.
Syeda Rabbab Hasan BDS, FCPS; Assistant Professor Department of Orthodontics, Islamabad Medical and Dental College, Islamabad.
Warqa Wyne BDS; House Officer, Department of Orthodontics, Islamabad Medical and Dental College, Islamabad.
Kainat Pervez BDS; House Officer, Department of Orthodontics, Islamabad Medical and Dental College, Islamabad.
Talha Sarfraz BDS; House Officer, Department of Orthodontics, Islamabad Medical and Dental College, Islamabad.

Keywords:

Perception;, smiling, dental esthetics

Abstract

Introduction: The prime focus of orthodontic diagnosis requires analysis of social smile, therefore, it is important to determine and analyze different variables effecting smile esthetics. Hence the aim of presnt study was to evaluate the effects of variations in the perception of smile arc and buccal corridor width on smile esthetics by panel of orthodontists, practicing general dentists and lay-person in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Material and Methods: - Sample consisted of 81 participants divided into three groups including 27 orthodontists, general dentists and lay-persons each. A Pro-forma was provided to the participants containing 2 sets of 3 digitally altered smile photographs. Set A consisted of three photoshoped smile pictures with wide, narrow and normal buccal corridor widths. Set B consisted of three photoshoped smile pictures having a straight, consonant and exaggerated smile arcs. The participants chose the best smile picture according to their perception from both the sets.
Results: - Most of the participants in each group preferred narrow buccal corridors width. Thus broader smiles were considered more pleasing. Inter-group comparison for buccal corridors width was done by Pearson chi-square test that revealed no statistical significant difference among all groups except when comparing general dentist and layperson perceptions i.e. p < 0.034. For smile arc analysis, consonant smile arc was rated frequently as an ideal characteristic. Inter-group comparison revealed no statistically significant difference among the participantâ€Ÿs perceptions.
Conclusions: - Broader smiles are considered more esthetic by dental professionals and orthodontists. Dental professional, orthodontists as well as laypersons had the same perception for a consonant smile arc as ideal. Amongst smile arc variations, consonant smile arc was considered most pleasing.