Variations in the perception of the smile line according to examiners from three different social classes

Abstract

Objective: This study assessed the variations in the perception of the smile line, according to examiners from three different social classes in the City of Cuiaba, Brazil. Materials and Methods: A total of 12 smile photographs were taken of female students. These photographs were then classified according to the smile line profile presented by each volunteer (ideal, straight and reverse smile line). We selected which side of the smile matched the esthetic norms; later, the smile photographs were digitally duplicated and modified to obtain a symmetrical smile. After the changes were made, each volunteer was classified into the appropriate category. According to this classification, we carried out the alterations in the other two types of smile photos and placed them in an album for subsequent evaluation of the three types of smiles by examiners from three different social classes: A, B and C. Results: There was a lower satisfaction of the subjects with regards to the reverse smile for the examiners from Class A. The lowest satisfaction for the Class B examiners was related to the reverse smile. Data of the comparisons among the Class C examiners revealed no statistical difference between groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion:There was no statistical difference between the ideal and straight smiles.