Laypersons' esthetic assessment of teeth with de- or hypomineralization - a web-based survey.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate young individuals' esthetic perception of color on the buccal surface of maxillary anterior teeth, self-perception of own tooth color, and general dental esthetic estimates by using a web-based survey.

Methods: A digital questionnaire was advertised on social media in 2024, targeting 18-30-year-olds in Sweden. The questionnaire included attitudes toward own tooth color, cases with molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH), fluorosis (F), white spot lesions (WSL), and general dental esthetic estimates. Chi2 assessed differences between groups, and the independent sample T-test calculated mean differences in responses. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: Out of 2,082 respondents (55% women, 43% men, mean age 25.1 years), 77% rated their tooth color as acceptable, with no gender or age differences (p > 0.05). Pigmented fluorosis was rated as nonacceptable by 94% of the respondents, followed by cases with WSLs. At least 90% cited deviant color on a part of a tooth (DCP) as a reason for nonacceptance. Even tooth color (mean, standard deviation [SD]: 8.02, 2.36) was rated more important than white teeth (mean, SD: 7.25, 2.04), p < 0.001.

Conclusion: De- and hypomineralization on maxillary anterior teeth are perceived negatively by young individuals in terms of dental esthetics. An even tooth color was valued higher than white teeth.