Upper canine inclination influences the aesthetics of a smile

Abstract

This current study investigated which angle of canine inclination (angle between canine tooth axis (CA-line) and the line between the lateral canthus and the ipsilateral labial angle (EM-line)) is perceived to be most attractive in a smile. The second objective was to determine whether laymen and dental experts share the same opinion. A Q-sort assessment was performed with 48 posed smile photographs to obtain two models of neutral facial attractiveness. Two sets of images (1 male model set, 1 female model set), each containing seven images with incrementally altered canine and posterior teeth inclinations, were generated. The images were ranked for attractiveness by three groups (61 laymen, 59 orthodontists, 60 dentists). The images with 0° inclination, that is CA-line (maxillary canine axis) parallel to EM-line (the line formed by the lateral canthus and the ipsilateral corner of the mouth) (male model set: 54·4%; female model set: 38·9%), or -5° (inward) inclination (male model set: 20%; female model set: 29·4%) were perceived to be most attractive within each set. Images showing inward canine inclinations were regarded to be more attractive than those with outward inclinations. Dental experts and laymen were in accordance with the aesthetics. Smiles were perceived to be most attractive when the upper canine tooth axis was parallel to the EM-line. In reconstructive or orthodontic therapy, it is thus important to incline canines more inwardly than outwardly.

The Effect of Anterior Teeth Forms in Smile Esthetics

“…In a study conducted by Bothung et al the effect of inclination of upper maxillary canines has been evaluated [6]. Hideki Ioi et al demonstrated the effect of vertical positions of anterior teeth on smile esthetics in South Korea and Japan [7].…”

Investigation of the esthetic perception of different canine parameters

“…Human canines are an integral part of smiling and are important for the overall esthetics of a smile [ 1 , 2 ]. Esthetical analyses that consider attractiveness and focus on human canine morphology are rarely found in the literature.…”

Oral Health Impact Profile in Orthodontic Patients with Ectopic Canine: A Prospective Clinical Intervention of Four Treatment Modalities

“…The maxillary and mandibular canines are anterior teeth that are placed at the corners of the mouth, and their positions and forms of these teeth along with the canine eminence play a vital role in aesthetics and face value. The inclination of the upper canine also influences the aesthetics specially a smile [9]. Hence, any change in its position or early loss may not only unduly affect the general appearance but may also psychologically impact an individual.…”