Analysis of different characteristics of smile

Abstract

Introduction

Analysis of smile is imperative in the diagnosis and treatment planning phases of aesthetic dentistry.

Aim

To evaluate the components of smile among students of a dental institution.

Methods

Frontal view digital photographs with posed smile of 157 dental students were assessed using Adobe Photoshop7.0. Smile characteristics evaluated included; smile line, smile arc, smile design, upper lip curvature, labiodental relationship and number of teeth displayed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Pearson chi-square test was used to determine the gender based differences for various parameters.

Results

Average smile line (43.3%), consonant smile arcs (45.2%), cuspid smiles (45.9%), upward lip curvature (43.9%), maxillary anterior teeth not covered by lower lip (60.5%) and teeth displayed up to first premolars (35.7%). Gender based differences were not statistically significant except for smile arc ( p value = 0.02) and number of teeth displayed ( p value < 0.001). There was a significant relationship between lip curvature and smile pattern ( p value < 0.001) and lip curvature and smile arc ( p value = 0.01) revealing that upward lip curvature was associated with commissure type smiles and consonant smile arcs.

Conclusions

The smile characteristics should be considered before beginning the aesthetic treatment of the patient to obtain adequate results in oral rehabilitation.