[Facial profile preferences: a cross-sectional survey]. / Evaluation esthétique du profil cutané : une étude transversale.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to identify facial profile preferences among Lebanese orthodontists, general dentists and laypersons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A lateral photograph of a young man and young woman with a class I skeletal relationship was used. Each photograph was manipulated, using Dolphin Imaging System®, to produce six other photographs in which anteroposterior variations in the position of the maxilla and/or the mandible were made. A total of 120 participants were asked to rank the photographs of each gender from most to least attractive. RESULTS: The straight profile was the most favored in men and women; however more lip protrusion for women and maxillary retrusion for men are tolerated. DISCUSSION: Our results represent the mean evaluation of a Caucasian society, this does not mean that every straight profile will be perceived as an attractive one. Hence the importance of an individualized treatment planning for a successful orthodontic treatment.