Self-perception of Smile Aesthetics and Self-esteem

Self-perception of Smile Aesthetics and Self-esteem By: Larry D. Scarborough Jr., D.D.S. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University, 2011 Major Director: Bhavna Shroff, D.M.D., M.S.D., M.P.A. Professor and Graduate Program Director, Department Of Orthodontics Introduction: Self-perception of smile aesthetics has been suggested as the most common reason for seeking orthodontic treatment. A recent study concluded that an improvement of dental attractiveness at the end of orthodontic treatment had positive effects on self-esteem. The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between one‟s self-perceived smile aesthetics and their self-esteem. Methods: A survey was conducted where each subject completed an evaluation of their smile aesthetics and a Rosenberg Self-esteem Test (RST). A smiling photograph of each subject was evaluated by dental professionals for dental aesthetics and straightness. Results: Female students rated their teeth straighter than males (mean = 78.5, p value < .0001). Self-esteem varied by race (p = 0.0017). African Americans had the highest selfesteem. There was a significant relationship between a subject‟s satisfaction with their smile and their self-esteem (r = .30, p < .0001), but not with their self rating of their smile straightness (r = 0.11, p = 0.0528). Conclusions: Subjects with straight teeth perceived their smile as more aesthetic. Subjects that perceived themselves as having a more aesthetic smile had a higher selfesteem. Subjects that had orthodontic treatment in the past perceived their teeth were straighter and their smile was more aesthetic. There was no relationship between previous orthodontic therapy and self-esteem. Perception of smile aesthetics may be a more important aspect and a better predictor of self-esteem than a subject‟s actual smile aesthetics.