1.Perception of Smile Aesthetics and Attractiveness among Saudi Females
Nozha Sawan ; Mamata Hebbal ; Abeer Alshami ; Afnan Ben Gassem ; Yara Alromaih ; Eman Alsagob
Archives of Orofacial Sciences 2022;17(1):113-122
ABSTRACT
Smile aesthetic, known as the static and dynamic relationship of the dentition and supporting
structures to the facial soft tissues, is one of the most important elements of facial attractiveness.
The objective of the study was to assess the perception of smile aesthetics and attractiveness through
digital image manipulation of aesthetic variables and to compare those perceptions according to
diverse sociodemographic data among female Saudi laypeople attending the dental clinic. A crosssectional study of 193 female Saudi participants were randomly selected and consented to answer the
study questionnaire. Nine smile photograph images were created to compare different smile aesthetic
perceptions. Two groups were recruited: 120 participants in the first group (under 30 years old) and
73 participants in the second group (30 years old or above). All participants in both groups were asked
to choose the attractiveness of each smile image using multiple-choice options. A statistically significant
finding showed that normal buccal corridors were chosen as the most attractive smile by 42.5%
of the participants in the younger group and by a significantly higher ratio of the participants with a
bachelor’s degree or higher level of education at 49% (p < 0.05). Laypeople’s preferences regarding smile
attractiveness vary, but a normal appearance was the ideal choice for the majority. Orthodontic treatment
should consider the general sociocultural understanding of smile perception.
Esthetics, Dental--psychology
;
Facial Recognition
;
Saudi Arabia