Perception of Smile Esthetics Varies Between Patients and Dental Professionals When Recession Defects are Present

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the smile esthetic perception of patients, dental students and dentists faced to different situations concerning gingival margin position. A total of 123 individuals (41 patients, 41 dental students and 41 dentists) completed a structured questionnaire and evaluated 6 pictures of the same smile modified in Adobe Photoshop® image-editing software representing: no gingival recession, 2 mm recession in one maxillary lateral incisor, 2 mm recession in both maxillary lateral incisors, 2 mm recession in one maxillary canine, 2 mm recession in both maxillary canines and generalized 2 mm recession. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to rate the esthetic perception. Mean VAS values were calculated and compared among gingival situations as well as group of respondents by one-way ANOVA, with an alpha level of 0.05. VAS analysis revealed that mean values ranged from 4.2 (±1.8) to 6.8 (±1.7). Images with no gingival recession received the highest score by all groups, with statistically significant differences among dentists and dental students. However, patients scored images with no recession with significantly lower ranks as compared with dentists and dental students. No significant differences were observed among patients for any of the situations. When dentists and dental students were compared, the worst situation was observed for generalized gingival recession, with scores 4.2 (±1.8) and 4.9 (±1.8), respectively. Patients and dental professionals had different perceptions about esthetics related to gingival margin position.

Subjective Differences between Dentists and Patients about Relative Quality of Metal Ceramic Restorations placed in the Esthetic Zone

“…Similarly, for color or shade of the crown at the margins, 59 of the total patients were satisfied with the results although only 26 of the cases were verified to be correct by the experts. These results are in accordance with the study by Musskopf et al 18 who concluded that patients and prosthodontists have different perceptions related to symmetry and esthetics around gingival margins of cemented crowns. 19 Moreover, patient's ability to detect symmetry cannot be relied when the evaluation is miniscule.…”

Children's perceptions of smile esthetics and their influence on social judgment

“…On the other hand, some authors have observed that subjective perception can greatly influence the judgment of facial and smile features. Several clinical studies [6][7][8] as well as systematic reviews 9 have been performed to define the threshold values of acceptance for different smile characteristics from the point of view of laypeople. The majority of studies have been conducted involving adult observers, with few studies considering the perceptions of children and adolescents.…”

Perception of Smile Esthetics by Orthodontists, Non-Dental and Dental Students: A Comparative Study

“…Marta Liliana et al, 5 established that over half of the participants selected tooth alignment as the chief factor required for an aesthetically desirable smile.…”