What do black patients expect from orthodontic treatment? The aesthetic perception of facial profile between orthodontists and black laypersons.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of anteroposterior position of the soft tissue on facial attractiveness in black people, and compare the perception of aesthetics and satisfaction between orthodontists and black laypersons. METHODS: The sample was composed of 69 orthodontists and 69 laypersons of black ethnicity (n=138). Facial profile photographs of two black volunteers, a man and a woman, were digitally manipulated to change the position of the lips and chin, by making gradual changes of 4mm in relation to the true vertical line, simulating advance or retrusion of the soft tissues by -2, -6, -10, +2, +6, +10mm, totalling six images per sex. The photographs were classified by the research participants using a visual analogue scale (VAS), from 0 (unpleasant) to 100 (pleasant). The results were analyzed by generalized linear model and by the Fisher's exact test, considering the level of significance of 5%. RESULTS: The orthodontists and black laypersons considered straight profiles the most pleasant. The two groups classified the male profile as being more unpleasant in comparison with the female facial profile, which was concave. When evaluating all the images together, the image most indicated as being the most pleasant, once again, was the one with the straight profile, for both sexes. CONCLUSION: The influence of orthodontists' and laypersons' aesthetic perception on evaluating the facial profile of blacks was similar. The straight profile was classified as the most pleasant and the concave, as the most unpleasant.

Does the vertical position of maxillary central incisors in men influence smile esthetics perception?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is any influence on the perception of smile esthetics among orthodontists and laypersons, with regard to different vertical positions of the maxillary central incisors. METHODS: Frontal smile photographs digitally altered at full-face view and close-up view of 2 adult men aged between 20 and 30 years were used. Six vertical positions of the central incisors were created, with changes of 0.5 mm. The images were randomly assembled in an album that was presented to 53 orthodontists and 53 laypersons, who evaluated the attractiveness of the images by using visual analog scales. Comparison among the images was performed using 1-way analysis of variance, with Tukey post-hoc test. To compare the distribution of the mean scores between the full-face and close-up smile views, and between orthodontists and laypersons, the Student t test was used. The level of significance was established at 5%. RESULTS: The best evaluations presented the following: (a) the gingival margins of the central incisors corresponded to, or were up to, 1 mm below the line of the canine gingival margins, and (b) the incisal step between the central and lateral incisors was from 1.0 to 2.0 mm. The smiles considered least attractive showed (a) the central incisor gingival margins were 1.0 mm above or 1.5 mm below the canine gingival margins, and (b) no step, or a step of 2.5 mm, between the central and lateral incisors. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggested that, in men, slightly extruded central incisors were esthetically more attractive than intruded incisors.

Comparative study between different groups of esthetic component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need and eye tracking.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to determine how different people perceive distinct malocclusions with the use of eye tracking and to compare the results with scores from the subjective visual attractiveness scale (VAS) following 3 grades obtained from the Aesthetic Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (AC-IOTN) scale. METHODS: Ninety participants were equally distributed into 3 groups-dentists, orthodontists, and laypeople-and underwent 1 eye-tracking session. After being positioned and calibrated, they were shown 3 dental images. The images reflected the AC-IOTN grades of 1 (close to ideal), 5 (borderline need for treatment), and 8 (definite need for treatment). During the viewing, eye-tracker data were collected for fixation points, duration, and attractiveness (according to the VAS) for each image. The variables were statistically tested with the use of 2-way analysis of variance and complete factorial model (between groups, grades, and for the interactions between them). RESULTS: Grade 1 received the highest subjective score independently from the participant group. This was in contrast to grades 5 and 8, which received similar scores, although the means of fixation points and duration were not significantly different among the grades (P > 0.05). The scores obtained from the dentist group were significantly higher than those from the other groups when the comparison was independent from the grade. In terms of fixation points, there were differences between dentists and orthodontists and between orthodontists and laypeople. The fixation point mean was higher for orthodontists than for dentists and was similar to that for laypeople. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontists were able to closely analyze the occlusal problems presenting with more severe malocclusions, and the specialists noticed more fixation points. Duration times, however, were not significantly different, because the orthodontists had greater interest, even in situations of unfavorable esthetics.

Influence of canine vertical position on smile esthetic perceptions by orthodontists and laypersons.

INTRODUCTION: Our objectives were to verify the impact of alterations in the vertical position of the maxillary canines in smile esthetic perceptions and to determine whether exposure of the gingival margins directly affects laypersons' and orthodontists' perceptions. METHODS: A smile photograph of a male subject showing gingival zeniths was selected, and the canine vertical positions were symmetrically modified in increments of 0.5 mm, creating 4 new images varying from 1.0 mm of intrusion to 1.0 mm of extrusion, with and without gingival exposure. The total of 10 images were evaluated by 60 orthodontists and 60 laypersons, who determined the level of attractiveness of each smile on a visual analog scale. RESULTS: For both orthodontists and laypersons, the canine vertical position modifications had a statistically significant influence (P <0.0001), and the gingival exposure had no significant influence on the smile esthetic evaluations. CONCLUSIONS: For both groups of evaluators, the most attractive smiles were the standard smile and the smiles with 0.5 mm of intrusion. The less attractive smiles were those with 1.0 mm of extrusion and 1.0 mm of intrusion. Orthodontists were more critical in their assessments. There were no differences in the esthetic evaluations of smiles with and without gingival margin exposure for both groups of evaluators.

Subjective facial analysis and its correlation with dental relationships.

INTRODUCTION:: Subjective facial analysis is a diagnostic method that provides morphological analysis of the face. Thus, the aim of the present study was to compare the facial and dental diagnoses and investigate their relationship. METHODS:: This sample consisted of 151 children (7 to 13 years old), without previous orthodontic treatment, analyzed by an orthodontist. Standardized extraoral and intraoral photographs were taken for the subjective facial classification according to Facial Pattern classification and occlusal analyses. It has been researched the occurrence of different Facial Patterns, the relationship between Facial Pattern classification in frontal and profile views, the relationship between Facial Patterns and Angle classification, and between anterior open bite and Long Face Pattern. RESULTS:: Facial Pattern I was verified in 64.24% of the children, Pattern II in 21.29%, Pattern III in 6.62%, Long Face Pattern in 5.96% and Short Face Pattern in 1.99%. A substantial strength of agreement of approximately 84% between frontal and profile classification of Facial Pattern was observed (Kappa = 0.69). Agreement between the Angle classification and the Facial Pattern was seen in approximately 63% of the cases (Kappa = 0.27). Long Face Pattern did not present more open bite prevalence. CONCLUSION:: Facial Patterns I and II were the most prevalent in children and the less prevalent was the Short Face Pattern. A significant concordance was observed between profile and frontal subjective facial analysis. There was slight concordance between the Facial Pattern and the sagittal dental relationships. The anterior open bite (AOB) was not significantly prevalent in any Facial Pattern.

The influence of sagittal position of the mandible in facial attractiveness and social perception.

OBJECTIVE:: This study aims at comparing the perception of orthodontists, maxillofacial surgeons, visual artists and laypersons when evaluating the influence of sagittal position of the mandible - in lateral view - in facial attractiveness; at a job hiring; and in the perception of socioeconomic profile. METHODS:: A black male, a white male, a black female and a white female with harmonic faces served as models to obtain a facial profile photograph. Each photograph was digitally manipulated to obtain seven facial profiles: an ideal, three simulating mandibular advancement and three simulating mandibular retrusion, producing 28 photographs. These photographs were evaluated through a questionnaire by orthodontists, maxillofacial surgeons, visual artists and laypersons. RESULTS:: The anteroposterior positioning of the mandible exerted strong influence on the level of facial attractiveness, but few significant differences between the different groups of evaluators were observed (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:: The profiles pointed as the most attractive were also pointed as more favorable to be hired to a job position and pointed also as having the best socioeconomic condition.

Do different vertical positions of maxillary central incisors influence smile esthetics perception?

INTRODUCTION:: The purpose of this study was to determine the perception of smile esthetics among orthodontists and layperson, with respect to different maxillary central incisors vertical positions in full-face and close-up smile analyses. METHODS:: Frontal photographs of the smiles of two adult women were used. Images were altered to create a symmetrical image with the gingival margin levels of the maxillary canines matching the central incisors and a 1.0-mm central-to-lateral incisal step. Later, the images were altered in order to create six different central incisor vertical positions in 0.5-mm increments. The images were randomly assembled in an album, which was given to 114 judges, 57 orthodontists and 57 laypersons, who were asked to evaluate the attractiveness of the images using the visual analog scale. The data collected were statistically analyzed by means of 1-way analysis of variance with the Tukey post-hoc test and the Student t test. RESULTS:: The highest rated smiles showed two notable characteristics: a) the central incisor gingival margins matched or were 0.5 mm below the line of the canine gingival margins and; b) the central-to-lateral incisal step was 1.0 to 1.5 mm. The worst smiles showed two notable characteristics: a) the central incisor gingival margins were 1.0 mm above or 1.5 mm below the canine gingival margins and; b) no step between the centrals and laterals or a 2.5-mm step. CONCLUSION:: The vertical position of the maxillary central incisors significantly affected the perception of the smile esthetics, whereas slightly extruded central incisors were more esthetically preferred than intruded.

A qualitative analysis of perceptions of orthodontists in Concepción about removable orthodontic appliances

Objective: to determine the utilization, attitudes and perceptions about removable orthodontic appliances (ROA) among a sample of Chilean orthodontists. Materials and methods: Data collection was performed using semi-structured interviews with 10 orthodontists from diverse professional backgrounds. The analysis was performed using the “Grounded Theory” methodology, using Atlas.ti v.6.0.15. Results: We interviewed four men and six women (31 to 75 years old), with 7 to 53 years of experience as dentists, and 1 to 10 years of experience as orthodontists. All orthodontists have experience in private practice, five in public service, and one in a military institution. One-hundred and thirty-three codes were grouped into seven categories identified as follows: perception of orthodontists, control over treatment, ROA characteristics, ROA indications and contraindications, patients’ attitude to ROA, selection of treatment, and ROA utilization. Conclusion: In the selection of ROA, different factors are involved, including the characteristics of the dentist, of the patient, and the social context. The key factor in the utilization of ROA is the perception of control over treatment.

Does the presence of unilateral maxillary incisor edge asymmetries influence the perception of smile esthetics?

OBJECTIVE: Determine orthodontists and laypersons' perception of maxillary central and lateral incisor edge asymmetries in full-face and close-up smiles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four smile photos were selected for this study: two full-face and two close-up smile photos of two male subjects, a white man and an Afro-descendant man. Both were considered pleasant smiles, following some principles of an ideal smile. Images were digitally altered to create tooth wear asymmetries on the maxillary left central and lateral incisor in 0.5 mm increments. Final images were arranged randomly into a photo album and were shown to 86 judges (43 orthodontists and 43 laypersons). Judges were asked to evaluate the attractiveness of the images according to a visual analog scale. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the Tukey's post hoc test and the Student t test. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the mean esthetic scores of the full-face and close-up smile photos. The most attractive smiles were those without asymmetries and those with 0.5 mm wear in the lateral incisor, whereas the least attractive ones were those with 1.0-1.5 mm wear in the central incisors. Statistically significant difference was found in the mean scores given by the judges in most cases. The orthodontists were more critical and assigned lower scores than the laypersons. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of maxillary incisor asymmetries is a critical factor influencing the perception of smile esthetics. The most attractive smiles of the men investigated were those without asymmetry and those with 0.5 mm incisor edge asymmetry in the lateral incisor. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The presence of incisal asymmetries (especially in maxillary central incisors) negatively influences smile esthetics, corroborating the clinical hypothesis that the closer to the facial midline, the greater the need for symmetry.

Subjective facial analysis and its correlation with dental relationships

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Subjective facial analysis is a diagnostic method that provides morphological analysis of the face. Thus, the aim of the present study was to compare the facial and dental diagnoses and investigate their relationship. METHODS: This sample consisted of 151 children (7 to 13 years old), without previous orthodontic treatment, analyzed by an orthodontist. Standardized extraoral and intraoral photographs were taken for the subjective facial classification according to Facial Pattern classification and occlusal analyses. It has been researched the occurrence of different Facial Patterns, the relationship between Facial Pattern classification in frontal and profile views, the relationship between Facial Patterns and Angle classification, and between anterior open bite and Long Face Pattern. RESULTS: Facial Pattern I was verified in 64.24% of the children, Pattern II in 21.29%, Pattern III in 6.62%, Long Face Pattern in 5.96% and Short Face Pattern in 1.99%. A substantial strength of agreement of approximately 84% between frontal and profile classification of Facial Pattern was observed (Kappa = 0.69). Agreement between the Angle classification and the Facial Pattern was seen in approximately 63% of the cases (Kappa = 0.27). Long Face Pattern did not present more open bite prevalence. CONCLUSION: Facial Patterns I and II were the most prevalent in children and the less prevalent was the Short Face Pattern. A significant concordance was observed between profile and frontal subjective facial analysis. There was slight concordance between the Facial Pattern and the sagittal dental relationships. The anterior open bite (AOB) was not significantly prevalent in any Facial Pattern.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: a análise facial subjetiva é um método diagnóstico que privilegia a avaliação morfológica da face; assim, o principal objetivo do presente trabalho foi comparar os diagnósticos faciais e dentários e investigar a correlação entre eles. MÉTODOS: a amostra consistiu de 151 crianças (7 a 13 anos de idade), sem nenhum tratamento ortodôntico prévio, analisadas por um ortodontista. Foram realizadas fotografias padronizadas extrabucais e intrabucais, para a classificação subjetiva dos Padrões Faciais e das relações dentárias segundo a classificação de Angle. Investigou-se a ocorrência de diferentes tipos de Padrões Faciais, em vistas frontal e de perfil; a relação entre os Padrões Faciais e as relações dentárias de Classe e, também, entre a má oclusão de mordida aberta anterior e o Padrão Face Longa. RESULTADOS: o Padrão Facial I (PF I) esteve presente em 64,24% das crianças; o PF II, em 21,29%; o PF III, em 6,62%; o PF Face Longa, em 5,96% e o PF Face Curta, em 1,99%. Observou-se concordância substancial entre a avaliação do PF na vista frontal e na de perfil, igual a 84% (Kappa = 0,69). Houve concordância entre a avaliação da relação dentária de Classe e do PF em 63% da amostra (Kappa = 0,27). O PF Face Longa não demonstrou maior prevalência da má oclusão de mordida aberta. CONCLUSÃO: os Padrões Faciais I e II foram os mais prevalentes em crianças, enquanto o menos prevalente foi o Padrão Face Curta. Verificou-se concordância significativa entre as análises faciais frontal e de perfil. Existe uma ligeira concordância entre o Padrão Facial e a relação sagital dentária. A mordida aberta anterior não se apresentou mais prevalente em nenhum tipo de Padrão Facial.

Do different vertical positions of maxillary central incisors influence smile esthetics perception?

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine the perception of smile esthetics among orthodontists and layperson, with respect to different maxillary central incisors vertical positions in full-face and close-up smile analyses. METHODS: Frontal photographs of the smiles of two adult women were used. Images were altered to create a symmetrical image with the gingival margin levels of the maxillary canines matching the central incisors and a 1.0-mm central-to-lateral incisal step. Later, the images were altered in order to create six different central incisor vertical positions in 0.5-mm increments. The images were randomly assembled in an album, which was given to 114 judges, 57 orthodontists and 57 laypersons, who were asked to evaluate the attractiveness of the images using the visual analog scale. The data collected were statistically analyzed by means of 1-way analysis of variance with the Tukey post-hoc test and the Student t test. RESULTS: The highest rated smiles showed two notable characteristics: a) the central incisor gingival margins matched or were 0.5 mm below the line of the canine gingival margins and; b) the central-to-lateral incisal step was 1.0 to 1.5 mm. The worst smiles showed two notable characteristics: a) the central incisor gingival margins were 1.0 mm above or 1.5 mm below the canine gingival margins and; b) no step between the centrals and laterals or a 2.5-mm step. CONCLUSION: The vertical position of the maxillary central incisors significantly affected the perception of the smile esthetics, whereas slightly extruded central incisors were more esthetically preferred than intruded.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a percepção da estética do sorriso, entre ortodontistas e leigos, em relação a diferentes posições verticais de incisivos centrais superiores, em análises de face completa e do sorriso aproximado. MÉTODOS: foram utilizadas fotografias frontais de sorrisos de duas mulheres adultas. As imagens foram alteradas para criar uma imagem simétrica, com o nível das margens gengivais dos caninos superiores igual ao dos incisivos centrais e um degrau incisal de 1,0 mm entre central e lateral. Posteriormente, as imagens foram alteradas para criar seis diferentes posições verticais de incisivos centrais, em incrementos de 0,5 mm. As imagens foram montadas aleatoriamente em um álbum, que foi dado a 114 avaliadores (57 ortodontistas e 57 leigos), que foram convidados a avaliar a atratividade das imagens usando uma escala analógica visual. Os dados coletados foram analisados estatisticamente por meio da análise de variância (ANOVA) de um fator com o teste post-hoc de Tukey e o teste t de Student. RESULTADOS: os sorrisos mais bem avaliados apresentaram duas características notáveis: a) as margens gengivais dos incisivos centrais corresponderam ou estavam 0,5 mm abaixo da linha das margens gengivais dos caninos; b) o degrau incisal entre central e lateral foi de 1,0 a 1,5 mm. Os piores sorrisos mostraram duas características notáveis: a) as margens gengivais dos incisivos centrais estavam 1,0 mm acima ou 1,5 mm abaixo das margens gengivais dos caninos e; b) nenhum degrau entre os centrais e laterais ou um degrau de 2,5 mm. CONCLUSÃO: a posição vertical dos incisivos centrais superiores afetou significativamente a percepção da estética do sorriso, ao passo que incisivos centrais ligeiramente extruídos foram mais preferidos esteticamente do que intruídos.

The influence of sagittal position of the mandible in facial attractiveness and social perception

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: This study aims at comparing the perception of orthodontists, maxillofacial surgeons, visual artists and laypersons when evaluating the influence of sagittal position of the mandible - in lateral view - in facial attractiveness; at a job hiring; and in the perception of socioeconomic profile. METHODS: A black male, a white male, a black female and a white female with harmonic faces served as models to obtain a facial profile photograph. Each photograph was digitally manipulated to obtain seven facial profiles: an ideal, three simulating mandibular advancement and three simulating mandibular retrusion, producing 28 photographs. These photographs were evaluated through a questionnaire by orthodontists, maxillofacial surgeons, visual artists and laypersons. RESULTS: The anteroposterior positioning of the mandible exerted strong influence on the level of facial attractiveness, but few significant differences between the different groups of evaluators were observed (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The profiles pointed as the most attractive were also pointed as more favorable to be hired to a job position and pointed also as having the best socioeconomic condition.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: a presente pesquisa teve por objetivo comparar a percepção de ortodontistas, cirurgiões bucomaxilofaciais, artistas visuais e leigos ao avaliar a influência do posicionamento sagital da mandíbula, em vista lateral, na atratividade facial; na contratação para um emprego; e na percepção do perfil socioeconômico. MÉTODOS: um homem negro, um homem branco, uma mulher negra e uma mulher branca com faces harmoniosas serviram como modelos para obtenção de fotografias do perfil facial. Cada fotografia obtida foi digitalmente manipulada para a obtenção de sete perfis faciais: um ideal, três simulando avanço mandibular e três simulando retrusão mandibular, originando 28 fotografias. Essas fotografias foram avaliadas, por meio de um questionário, por quatro grupos de avaliadores: ortodontistas, cirurgiões bucomaxilofaciais, artistas visuais e leigos. RESULTADOS: o posicionamento anteroposterior da mandíbula exerceu forte influência sobre o grau de atratividade facial, porém foram observadas poucas diferenças significativas entre os diferentes grupos de avaliadores (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÕES: os perfis apontados como mais atraentes foram, também, os mais apontados como favoráveis à contratação para um emprego e os mais apontados como aqueles que aparentavam melhor condição socioeconômica.

Influence of occlusal plane inclination and mandibular deviation on esthetics.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the degree of perception of occlusal plane inclination and mandibular deviation in facial esthetics, assessed by laypeople, dentists and orthodontists. METHODS: A woman with 5.88° of inclination and 5.54 mm of mandibular deviation was selected and, based on her original photograph, four new images were created correcting the deviations and creating more symmetric faces and smiles. Examiners assessed the images by means of a questionnaire. Their opinions were compared by qualitative and quantitative analyses. RESULTS: A total of 45 laypeople, 27 dentists and 31 orthodontists filled out the questionnaires. All groups were able to perceive the asymmetry; however, orthodontists were more sensitive, identifying asymmetries as from 4.32° of occlusal plane inclination and 4.155 mm of mandibular deviation (p< 0.05). The other categories of evaluators identified asymmetries and assigned significantly lower grades, starting from 5.88° of occlusal plane inclination and 5.54 mm of mandibular deviation (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Occlusal plane inclination and mandibular deviation were perceived by all groups, but orthodontists presented higher perception of deviations.

Influence of occlusal plane inclination and mandibular deviation on esthetics

Objective:The aim of this study was to assess the degree of perception of occlusal plane inclination and mandibular deviation in facial esthetics, assessed by laypeople, dentists and orthodontists.Methods:A woman with 5.88° of inclination and 5.54 mm of mandibular deviation was selected and, based on her original photograph, four new images were created correcting the deviations and creating more symmetric faces and smiles. Examiners assessed the images by means of a questionnaire. Their opinions were compared by qualitative and quantitative analyses.Results:A total of 45 laypeople, 27 dentists and 31 orthodontists filled out the questionnaires. All groups were able to perceive the asymmetry; however, orthodontists were more sensitive, identifying asymmetries as from 4.32° of occlusal plane inclination and 4.155 mm of mandibular deviation (p< 0.05). The other categories of evaluators identified asymmetries and assigned significantly lower grades, starting from 5.88° of occlusal plane inclination and 5.54 mm of mandibular deviation (p< 0.05).Conclusion:Occlusal plane inclination and mandibular deviation were perceived by all groups, but orthodontists presented higher perception of deviations.

Objetivo: o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o grau de percepção, de leigos, dentistas e ortodontistas, quanto à influência das inclinações do plano oclusal e dos desvios mandibulares na estética facial.Métodos:uma mulher com 5,88o de desvio do plano oclusal e 5,54mm de desvio mandibular foi selecionada. A partir de sua fotografia original, quatro novas imagens foram criadas, corrigindo os desvios e criando rostos e sorrisos mais simétricos. Os examinadores avaliaram as imagens por meio de um questionário, sendo realizadas análises qualitativas e quantitativas.Resultados:45 leigos, 27 dentistas e 31 ortodontistas preencheram os questionários. Todos os grupos foram capazes de perceber a assimetria, no entanto, os ortodontistas foram mais sensíveis, sendo capazes de perceber a assimetria de 4,32o de inclinação do plano oclusal e 4,155mm de desvio mandibular (p > 0,05). Os demais avaliadores perceberam a assimetria apenas a partir de 5,88o de desvio do plano oclusal e 5,54mm de desvio mandibular (p > 0,05).Conclusão:inclinações do plano oclusal e desvios mandibulares foram percebidos por todos os grupos, mas os ortodontistas apresentaram maior sensibilidade aos desvios.

Comparison of two scales for evaluation of smile and dental attractiveness.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the simplified Q-sort method used to investigate the highest level of agreement among dentists, orthodontists and laypeople when assessing smile and dental attractiveness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An album containing 258 photos of 86 individuals with their lips at rest, a slight and broad smile, was assessed by 25 dentists (general clinicians and various specialties), 23 orthodontists and 27 laypeople with regard to smile and dental attractiveness. To this end, both VAS and simplified Q-sort method were used. Agreements were calculated by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: For the single measurement between the VAS method and the simplified Q-sort method, all simplified Q-sort rates were higher in all groups. The simplified Q-sort method results ranged between 0.42 and 0.49 while those of the VAS method varied between 0.37 and 0.42. The simplified Q-sort method also presented higher mean measurement values (0.95 and 0.96) in comparison to VAS (0.94 and 0.95). CONCLUSIONS: Both scales may be considered reliable for evaluating smile and dental attractiveness; however, the simplified Q-Sort method presented slightly higher values than the VAS method.

Perception of adults' smile esthetics among orthodontists, clinicians and laypeople.

OBJECTIVE: Smile esthetics has become a major concern among patients and orthodontists. Therefore, the aim of this study was: (1) To highlight differences in perception of smile esthetics by clinicians, orthodontists and laypeople; (2) To assess factors such as lip thickness, smile height, color gradation, tooth size and crowding, and which are associated with smile unpleasantness. METHODS: To this end, edited photographs emphasizing the lower third of the face of 41 subjects were assessed by three groups (orthodontists, laypeople and clinicians) who graded the smiles from 1 to 9, highlighting the markers that evince smile unpleasantness. Kruskall-Wallis test supplemented by Bonferroni test was used to assess differences among groups. Additionally, the prevailing factors in smile unpleasantness were also described. RESULTS: There was no significant difference (P = 0.67) among groups rates. However, the groups highlighted different characteristics associated with smile unpleasantness. Orthodontists emphasized little gingival display, whereas laypeople emphasized disproportionate teeth and clinicians emphasized yellow teeth. CONCLUSION: Orthodontists, laypeople and clinicians similarly assess smile esthetics; however, noticing different characteristics. Thus, the orthodontist must be careful not to impose his own perception of smile esthetics.

Perception of the relationship between TMD and orthodontic treatment among orthodontists.

INTRODUCTION: The consensus about the relationship between TMD and orthodontic treatment has gone from a cause and effect association between TMD and orthodontic treatment to the idea that there is no reliable evidence supporting this statement. OBJECTIVE: To assess the beliefs, despite scientific evidence, of Brazilian orthodontists about the relationship between TMD and orthodontic treatment with regards to treatment, prevention and etiology of TMD. METHODS: A survey about the relationship between TMD and orthodontic treatment was prepared and sent to Brazilian orthodontists by e-mail and social networks. Answers were treated by means of descriptive statistics and strong associations between variables were assessed by qui-square test. RESULTS: The majority of orthodontists believe that orthodontic treatment not only is not the best treatment option for TMD, but also is not able to prevent TMD. Nevertheless, the majority of orthodontists believe that orthodontic treatment can cause TMD symptoms. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that orthodontists' beliefs about the relationship between orthodontic treatment and TMD are in accordance with scientific evidence only when referring to treatment and prevention of TMD. The majority of orthodontists believe that, despite scientific evidence, orthodontic treatment can cause TMD.