Assessment of dental appearance following changes in incisor proportions

Eur J Oral Sci. 2005 Apr;113(2):159-65. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0722.2005.00206.x.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the assessment of attractiveness of standardized changes in incisor proportions. Two original photographs, showing the maxillary anterior teeth in the frame of a smile, were computer-manipulated. From the so-produced symmetrical 'golden standard' images, two sets were constructed. Each set contained one golden standard image and seven images with different standardized changes concerning (i) width-to-length ratios of the central incisors (60-96%) and (ii) tooth-to-tooth proportions between the widths of lateral and central incisors (43-87%). The judges, consisting of three groups of individuals (24 dentists, 24 medical students, and 179 patients), ranked each photo set for attractiveness on a visual analogue scale. The width-to-length ratios were assessed as most attractive within a range of 75-85% (medical students, patients) or 75-80% (dentists), respectively. The tooth-to-tooth proportions showed the best results concerning attractive appearance within a range of 50-74% (medical students, patients) or 56-68% (dentists), respectively. No significant differences between the participant groups were found except for some extreme variations. It was concluded that a most attractive 'golden range' could be identified for both the width-to-length ratios and the tooth-to-tooth proportions of the maxillary incisors.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Attitude
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Dentists
  • Esthetics, Dental*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Incisor / anatomy & histology*
  • Male
  • Maxilla
  • Middle Aged
  • Odontometry / statistics & numerical data
  • Patients
  • Photography, Dental
  • Smiling
  • Students, Medical