Choosing the esthetic angle of the face: experiments with laypersons and prosthodontists

Statement of problem Most faces are not symmetrical, and this complicates the task of aligning the anterior segment of the teeth for the restorative dentist, orthodontist, or oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The dental literature provides conflicting advice regarding guidelines for aligning the anter...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of prosthetic dentistry 2011-08, Vol.106 (2), p.102-108
Main Authors: Behrend, Donald A., PhD, MDSc, Harcourt, John K., DDSc, Adams, Geoffrey G., MSc, Grad Dip Comp Stud, Grad Cert Clin Res
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Analysis of Variance
Anatomic Landmarks
Cephalometry
Dentistry
Dentists
Esthetics, Dental
Face - anatomy & histology
Facial Asymmetry - psychology
Female
Humans
Incisor - anatomy & histology
Male
Middle Aged
Observer Variation
Prosthodontics
Visual Perception
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Summary:Statement of problem Most faces are not symmetrical, and this complicates the task of aligning the anterior segment of the teeth for the restorative dentist, orthodontist, or oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The dental literature provides conflicting advice regarding guidelines for aligning the anterior teeth. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity of laypersons to variations in the alignment of the anterior segment within a symmetrical face, and to investigate which guidelines were preferred by laypersons and prosthodontists when aligning this segment. Material and methods Lay participants (21) were shown a series of 25 modified images of faces on a computer screen and asked to indicate ‘noticeability’ of tilt and, with another series of 19 images, preference for angulation of the anterior segment. Prosthodontists (14) were shown a further set of 7 images and asked to use a Clinometer to select an appropriate angle. Statistical comparisons were performed with multinomial goodness-of-fit tests and repeated measures ANOVA, followed by Sidak multiple comparisons tests (α=.05). Results The average angle at which the tilt of the anterior segment within a symmetrical face became noticeable to the laypersons was approximately 1 degree. No significant correlation ( P =.15) was found between the laypersons' choice of angle for the anterior segment and the angle of the eyes, lips, or horizon, but an angle of 0 degrees was chosen significantly more often than the other angles offered ( P
ISSN:0022-3913
1097-6841
DOI:10.1016/S0022-3913(11)60103-0