Effect of smile index and incisal edge position on perception of attractiveness in different age groups.
Changes in occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) and age have been found to affect Smile Index (SI, width/height of smile). Limited information is available regarding the aesthetic effects of these changes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the attractiveness of digitally manipulated smile images with differences in SI and incisal edge position (IEP) judged by respondents in different age groups. A total of 12 smile images were generated with varying SI (3·5, 5·3, 7·2, 9·0) and IEP (High, Medium, Low). Fifty respondents each in four age groups (15-24, 25-39, 40-54, 55+) evaluated the attractiveness of the 12 images using a 0-10 visual analog scale (VAS, 10 being most attractive). A repeated-measures three-factorial mixed model assessed differences. SI, IEP and age of respondents were found to significantly influence attractiveness score (P < 0·01 for all). With all age groups combined, SI = 7·2/IEP = Medium was most attractive (VAS = 7·22), followed by SI = 9·0/IEP = Medium, and SI = 5·3/IEP = Medium (VAS = 6·53 and 6·48, respectively). SI = 3·5/IEP = High and SI = 3·5/IEP = Low were least attractive (VAS = 1·99 and VAS = 2·58, respectively). Age group significantly influenced aesthetic perception, with younger respondents more critical in differences in SI and IEP. SI and IEP significantly influenced attractiveness of the smile in all respondent age groups. Low SI (i.e. 3·5) combined with high or low IEP was unattractive. Medium SI to high SI (i.e. 5·3-9·0) combined with medium IEP were considered attractive.
Department of Oral Health and Rehabilitation, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Louisville, KY, USA. john.chou.dds@gmail.com.
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Chou
University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Louisville, KY, USA.
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Nelson
Department of Oral Health and Rehabilitation, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Louisville, KY, USA.
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Katwal
Department of Oral Health and Rehabilitation, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Louisville, KY, USA.
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Elathamna
Department of General Dentistry and Oral Medicine, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Louisville, KY, USA.
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Durski
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001504:Beauty; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005145:Face / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D005149:Facial Expression; D005260:Female; D005881:Gingiva / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008437:Maxilla / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D012904:Smiling / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D012928:Social Desirability; D014716:Vertical Dimension; D055815:Young Adult
dental aesthetics; dental occlusion; facial expressions; prosthodontics; smiling; vertical dimension