Patterns of Facial Profile Preference in a Large Sample of Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore dental students’ facial profile preferences in a large sample of students. Nine hundred and nineteen dental students of four dental schools were involved. As part of a larger study on dentofacial esthetics, six photo series consisting of one unaltered and four altered variants of the same female profile were distributed among the students. The altered features were ones that are esthetically significant according to the literature. The students had to indicate the photo in each series that they preferred. The data were analyzed in a regression model in which preference in the given photo series was the dependent variable and gender, grade of studies, and dental school were the factors. Eight hundred and sixty-one students (93.7%) responded. Gender and dental school were not associated with the observed preferences, but the grade of studies was associated for three of the modified parameters: chin prominence, the sagittal position of the maxillary dental arch, and the simultaneous modification of the prominence of the chin and the nose. This study has confirmed several earlier observations, and new observations have also been made. We have demonstrated that the anteroposterior position of the maxillary incisors may be an important determinant of profile esthetics, even if this position does not influence the situation of the soft tissues and if the forehead cannot be used as a reference. We have also shown that the harmony between the nose and the chin overrides the importance of their individual dimensions.

Balancing Act: Considerations for profiloplasty assessment in patients presenting for treatment with dermal fillers

“…The concept of having a specific balance between the nose, the lips and the chin in the profile view was formally introduced by Ricketts in the 1950s 1 and continues to be advocated in contemporary surgical texts addressing profile anatomy. 2 In accordance with this, studies of facial profile aesthetic preferences note that the harmony between the nose and the chin overrides the importance of their individual dimensions, 3,4 and that compensatory lip protrusion can be used as a strategy to improve perceptions of profile attractiveness in cases of chin or nose protrusion. 5 The evolution of dermal filler products enables a non-surgical option for patients who want to improve facial aesthetics without the downtime, risks and costs of surgery.…”

“…The relationship between the nose, chin and lips needs to be preserved to retain balance in the profile view. 2,3,5,28,29 The current work explored this relationship to develop a facial profile assessment framework designed specifically for use when preparing dermal filler treatment plans for profile correction. The intent of this proposed framework was to provide a structured system to help enhance communication between cosmetic injectors and their patients and overcome the potential pitfalls of hyper-focused treatment plans.…”