Self-perceived dental esthetics and the relationship to maxillary anterior tooth proportions among dental students.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between self-perceived dental esthetics and the selected esthetic mathematical proportions.

Materials and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 48 dental students who fit into the inclusion criteria. The subjects rated their self-perceived dental esthetics based on the given Likert scale. Standardized portrait photographs of each subject were taken and the mesiodistal measurements of the maxillary anterior teeth were measured using a graphic editing software. The golden proportion, golden percentage and RED proportion in maxillary anterior teeth were then calculated.

Results: Most subjects were pleased with the size, form, and color of their maxillary anterior teeth. Only 2.1% of the maxillary canines and 10.4% of the left maxillary lateral incisors complied with the golden proportion. The maxillary lateral incisors demonstrated its occurrence to golden percentage. For the RED proportion, 29.2% of the left maxillary teeth and 16.7% of the contralateral teeth complied with the proportion. Self-perceived dental esthetics and the occurrence these mathematical proportions have no association.

Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that most subjects were satisfied with their self-perceived dental esthetics. Only a small percentage of the subjects having their natural dentition coincide with the golden proportion, golden percentage and RED proportion with a higher percentage occurring on the RED proportion. Hence, the mathematical proportions do not represent the naturally occurring dentition. These mathematical proportions can serve as a guide and the perceived teeth width can be customized accordingly.