Assessment of esthetic characteristics of the teeth and surrounding anatomical structures.

PURPOSE To determine the differences in the perception of aesthetic characteristics of the front teeth which include anatomic variations, appearance of the gums and dental arches, smiles and the lower third of the face between three groups of assessors. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 60 patients with permanent fully toothed dentition with no prosthetic work done and with Angle class I, whose lower third of the face was photographed while smiling. Collected photos were then assessed by people of the general population (21), graduate doctors of dental medicine (20) and specialists in dental prosthetics (20) using a modified OAS questionnaire (Orofacial aesthetic scale). RESULTS General population assessors gave weakest scores to the appearance of teeth, tooth color and appearance of the dental arches, and they gave highest scores to the appearance of the gums. Specialists in dental prosthetics gave top scores (p <0.01) for the shape and color of teeth, the appearance of the dental arches and lips and general appearance of the lower third of the face, and gave the worst scores for the appearance of the gums (p <0.01). Male assessors and people aged 36-55 are the least critical in assessing the shape and the color of teeth, appearance of the arches and lips, and the general appearance of the lower third of the face. In assessing the gums the most tolerant assessors are patients over the age of 55 (p<0.01). CONCLUSION Considering the age and gender it can be concluded that all the criteria contribute to the assessment of the aesthetics of the teeth and surrounding structures. The results of this study may help in the planning of dental prosthetics procedures.