Smile psychology.

Abstract

Facial expression, including smiling, is an important means of universal communication and an understudied area in dentistry. Currently there is limited availability of data on smile psychology in either general or cosmetic dental literature. However, the number of cosmetic dentistry patients is increasing and many require and desire physical changes that restore or enhance facial expressions, appearances, and smiles. Cosmetic dentistry patients, particularly those presenting with dental anxiety or phobia, require a more detailed physical and psychologic assessment due to their habitual avoidance of dental care and subsequent oral health deterioration. Increasing knowledge and data facilitate the development of new intervention and treatments for anxious and phobic dental patients. These new developments strengthen the dentist-patient partnership to foster optimal dental results.