Evaluation of the Perspectives of Orthodontists and Laypersons About the Effect of Orthodontic Treatment on Facial Aesthetics of Young Turkish Patients

Aim: To compare the perspective of orthodontists and laypersons on the effects of orthodontic treatment on facial aesthetics in young Classes I, II, and III Turkish patients. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 60 patients (30 males and 30 females, 9 to 17 years of age) was included using randomization in strata and then divided equally (n = 15) into four groups according to the Angle classification. Photographs during frontal and lateral resting and also smiling were obtained from each patient before and after orthodontic treatment. A panel consisting 50 laypersons and 50 orthodontists was invited for the evaluation of the initial and final photos by using the visual analogue scale and a five-point scale to determine similarities and differences of their perspectives in the effects of orthodontic treatment on facial aesthetics. The data were analyzed by independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson’s correlation test. Results: The evaluation of facial aesthetics and treatment changes were not affected by the age and gender of the panel members (P <.05). Angle Class III patients were given lower scores by both orthodontists (P < .001) and laypersons (P < .05), but no significant differences were found between any of other classes (P >.05). Orthodontists reported greater improvement for Class III than in Class II Division 1 (P < .05) however laypersons did not notice the changes after orthodontic treatment for any of Angle classes (P >.05). Conclusion: Class III patients received lower scores for aesthetics from both panels. Laypersons may not be concerned about the effects of orthodontic treatment on facial aesthetics in patients with any Angle class. Orthodontists have seen more facial aesthetic changes after orthodontic treatment in Class III patients.