Mehta, Aarti
(2018).
The influence of interdental spacing on perceived smile aesthetics.
University of Birmingham.
M.Sc.
Abstract
Introduction: This cross-sectional study aims to assess the influence of varying patterns and size of interdental spacing on perceived smile aesthetics amongst general dentists, orthodontists, lay adults and children.
Methods: A photograph of the ideal smile was digitally manipulated to display varying patterns and sizes of interdental spacing. In total, twenty-five images were shown in a questionnaire format to forty participants in each group. Each photo was rated on a visual analogue scale (VAS).
Results: The ideal image was preferred to interdental spacing by all groups (p<0.05). The images with generalised spacing had the lowest VAS ratings compared to the ideal image and this was statistically and clinically significant (p<0.00). The difference in VAS scores between children and professional groups was statistically significant (p<0.05), with children being the most critical group. A 0.5 mm increase in the size of the space resulted in a statistically significant reduction in VAS ratings (p=0.00).
Conclusion: Interdental spacing is disliked by all groups, and the size and pattern of spacing has an influence on aesthetic perception. Professional groups tolerated interdental spacing more than the lay groups. The large variation in VAS ratings highlights that aesthetics can mean different things to different people.
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