Recent scientific findings on the perception of facial attractiveness coupled with technological advances in computer imaging make it possible to measure the facial characteristics that may be associated with specific judgments of facial appearance. These new methods can be used to produce psychometric norms of facial attractiveness which potentially could supplement the conventional population norms or averages used currently in orthodontic treatment planning. It is hypothesized that consideration of psychometric norms will enhance doctor-patient communication and lead to greater patient satisfaction at the completion of orthodontic treatment.
Judgment ; Patient Satisfaction ; Psychometrics