Aesthetic Preferences for Replacement of Missing Maxillary Lateral Incisors: A Comparison of Canine Substitution, Implants and Resin-Bonded Bridges Among Australian Dental Professionals and Laypeople.

Background: Aesthetic outcomes of treatment options for missing maxillary lateral incisors significantly influence patient satisfaction. This study compared aesthetic treatment outcome preferences for canine substitution, resin-bonded bridges and implants among Australian orthodontists, prosthodontists, general dentists and laypeople.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey assessed attractiveness ratings and preferences using a ranking system and a Likert scale. One-way and two-way ANOVA examined differences by respondent group and treatment type.

Results: Among 547 respondents (orthodontists: 117, prosthodontists: 56, general dentists: 167, laypeople: 207), significant differences were found in aesthetic ratings (p < 0.001). Canine substitution was rated most attractive (mean rank = 1.43), followed by resin-bonded bridges (1.78), while implants (2.81) and no treatment (3.99) were rated lower. Two-way ANOVA showed significant main effects of treatment type and respondent group (p < 0.001), with an interaction effect indicating varied preferences among groups.

Conclusions: Canine substitution was the preferred treatment outcome aesthetically, particularly among orthodontists. Resin-bonded bridges were also favoured. These findings highlight the impact of professional background on aesthetic preferences and emphasise the need for patient-centred treatment planning.