A simple procedure to assess esthetic preference for dentofacial treatment

A procedure is described in which lateral facial photographs were cut apart and reassembled in ways that approximated desired esthetic change. Two groups of subjects were asked to complete the Sassouni “cut-up-paste-back” procedure. Group 1 consisted of 20 adult dental professionals; group 2 comprised 18 college students unacquainted with dental studies. Both groups made similar alterations on a photograph at the beginning and at the end of a 2-week period. Photographic alterations were highly similar to written descriptions of intended changes. The “cut-up-paste-back” procedure is a simple and inexpensive way to facilitate dentist-patient communication during treatment planning. The procedure also has applicability for research in facial esthetic preference.