The influence of different tooth proportions obtained using digital smile design on the perception of smile esthetics

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to examine the effect of designs using different esthetic dental proportions made with a digital smile design program on the esthetic perception of individuals of different ages, genders and educational statuses.Materials and MethodsDifferent smile designs were made on facial photos taken of a female and male model using a smile design program. Four different dental proportions (golden proportion [GPR], golden percentage [GPE]), Preston proportion [P] and recurring esthetic dental proportion [RED]) and two different tooth shapes (oval and square) were used. Images with 16 different smile designs were presented to 4th and 5th-year students of a faculty of dentistry, dentists, specialist dentists and laypersons for scoring.ResultsThe gender of the participants did not affect the scores given (p > 0.05), and participants over the age of 30 and lay people had higher scores (p < 0.05). The GPR design was scored lower than RED when all designs were subdivided by tooth shape and gender (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe esthetic perceptions of people of different ages and dentistry education levels may differ from each other. Using the GPR when designing a digital smile may not be suitable for both genders.Clinical SignificanceIf esthetic dental proportions are to be utilized when designing a smile, it may be more appropriate to use the P and RED proportions instead of the GPR. In addition, if the patients whose smiles will be designed are young and have received dental education, it should be considered that their esthetic expectations may be high. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT0567043.