Influence of mandibular sagittal position on facial esthetics

Objectives: To analyze the influence of mandibular sagittal position in the determination of facial attractiveness. Methods: Facial profile photographs were taken of an Afro-descendant man and a Caucasian man, as well as an Afro-descendant woman and a Caucasian woman. These photos were manipulated on the computer using Adobe PhotoshopTM CS2 to produce—from each original face—a straight profile, three simulating retrusion and three protrusion mandibular discrepancies. In all, 28 photographs were evaluated by orthodontists (n = 20), oral maxillofacial surgeons (n = 20), plastic artists (n = 20) and laypersons (n = 20). The descriptive analysis was performed by calculating the mean and standard deviation for each group. Results: The straight facial profile was met with greater acceptance by Afro-descendant male faces and female faces. Caucasian males found a lightly concave facial profile with a more prominent mandible to be the most pleasant. After an analysis of skeletal discrepancies simulations, Caucasian males also showed a preference for mandibular protrusion versus retrusion. Females, however, preferred convex over concave profiles. Conclusion: The results showed agreement between groups of evaluators in selecting the most attractive profiles. Regarding male faces, a straight profile with a slightly concave face seemed more attractive and a straight facial profile was also greatly valued. Abstract