The perception of facial asymmetry

McAvinchey, Grainne (2013). The perception of facial asymmetry. University of Birmingham. M.Phil.

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the perception of facial asymmetry, as assessed by different observer groups (lay people, dental students, dental care professionals, dentists and orthodontists). Average 3d images of male and female faces were produced and subsequent deviations were applied to simulate chin point asymmetry. The five observer groups assessed the images, rating each image as either; normal, acceptable or would benefit from correction. Factors found to influence the perception of facial asymmetry included the degree of asymmetry and the profession of the observer, while the direction of the asymmetry and the gender of the individual with the asymmetry did not affect the perception of asymmetry, except for discrete levels of asymmetry. The gender of the observer was found to have no influence on how images were rated. There was a highly significant difference (P <0.001) between the range that the lay people (0 – 5.60 ± 2.68 mm) and orthodontists (0 – 3.60 ± 1.54mm) considered to be normal, and similarly a statistically significant difference (P = 0.001) at the level at which the lay people (11.79 ± 4.04 mm) and orthodontists (9.73 ± 2.98 mm) considered surgery to be appropriate.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Phil.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Phil.

Supervisor(s):