Influence of spacing in the upper lateral incisor area on the perception of smile esthetics among orthodontists and laypersons

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejwf.2013.09.003
• Publication Date: 2013-11-16T02:45:29Z
• Authors: Andre Wilson Machado; Won Moon; Edson Campos; Luiz Gonzaga Gandini
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Diastemas; Smile esthetics; Orthodontics; Cosmetic dentistry

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to determine the perception of smile esthetics among orthodontists and laypeople with respect to the presence of diastemas in the upper lateral incisor in the mesial, distal, and both surfaces using an oblique smile analysis. Methods Two standardized oblique photos of pleasant smiles from two white women were selected. Images were digitally altered to create diastemas in the lateral incisor, in 0.5-mm increments, in the mesial, distal, or both surfaces. Final images were randomly assembled in a photo album, which was given to 120 judges—60 orthodontists and 60 laypersons. Each rater was asked to evaluate the attractiveness of the images on a visual analog scale. The data collected were submitted to statistical analysis by the means of one-way ANOVA with the Tukey post hoc test and the unpaired Student's t test. Results The most attractive smile was the one without spacing, and the presence of diastemas was considered unattractive by both groups of raters, following a pattern: the greater and the more mesially located, the more unattractive was the smile. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that diastemas in the upper lateral incisor area were considered unattractive, following a pattern: the greater and the more mesially located, the more unattractive was the smile.