Aim: To evaluate the effect of the differences in the dimensions of maxillary lateral incisor on the esthetic perception of smile among dental professionals and the general population.
Materials and methods: Two sets of photographs where the maxillary incisor dimensions were modified using computer software (Adobe Photoshop) were created. In the first set, six images were included where the maxillary lateral incisor width was modified. The second set included five images where only the maxillary lateral incisor length was modified keeping the gingival margins same. Three groups of participants formed the sample. Hypodontia patients formed the first group, non-hypodontia patients formed the control group, while the dentists constituted to the third group. A total of 156 participants were recruited, 36 patients with radiographically confirmed hypodontia out of which 22 were female and 14 were male, 54 non-hypodontia "control" patients out of which 29 were female and 24 were male, and 66 dentists out of which 39 were female and 27 were male. Every participant had 15 seconds to view each photograph along with 30 seconds at the end for confirmation.
Results: The "most attractive smile" was the ones with 77% lateral incisor to central incisor width proportion according to 25.0% of the hypodontia group and 40.8% of the dentist's group, while only 4.2% of the control group agreed that it was the most attractive. However, the "least popular" was the 52% lateral incisor to central incisor width proportion according to 40.0% of patients who are hypodontic, 20.8% of participants from control group, and 49.0% of dentists.
Conclusion: The golden proportion was not considered as the most attractive among all groups. The esthetic perceptions of the patients might not be same as that of the dentists. In general, reductions in the maxillary lateral incisor width were not all acceptable.
Clinical significance: This study will help us understand the different perceptions of the patients and the dentists on esthetics, which would further help us in planning the treatment accordingly.
Keywords: Agenesis; Esthetic perception; Golden proportion; Hypodontia Maxillary lateral incisor..