Purpose: The present study aimed to analyze in a Spanish population sample the compliance of the anterior maxillary teeth to the dental esthetic proportions described in the literature.
Methods: Photographs of the smiles of 78 individuals were calibrated and digitally analyzed considering the following proportions: golden proportion (GP), recurring esthetic dental (RED), golden percentage (GPG), Preston's proportion and Modified golden percentage (MGPG). For statistical analysis, the t-test of an independent sample was applied, and compliance percentages for each standard were recorded.
Results: The existence of RED 70% or 80% has not been registered. The percentages of compliance with GP were within a range between 0% and 16%. The mean tooth width ratios were adjusted to the values described by Preston (P > 0.05), but the compliance percentages were low (3.33-25%). GPG only presented high percentages of compliance in the lateral incisors (53.33-62.5%). MGPG showed the highest percentages of compliance (50-68%).
Conclusion: After analyzing a Spanish population sample using smile photographs for the first time, GP, RED, GPG and Preston's proportion standards are not fulfilled and therefore, not suitable for treatments that seek a smile that reproduces natural principles. However, the values designated by MGPG with a deviation of ±1% are largely applicable for treatments that aim for a natural smile.
Keywords: golden percentage; golden proportion; modified golden percentage; recurring esthetic dental; smile aesthetics.