Choosing the esthetic angle of the face: Experiments with laypersons and prosthodontists

Abstract

Most faces are not symmetrical, and this complicates the task of aligning the anterior segment of the teeth for the restorative dentist, orthodontist, or oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The dental literature provides conflicting advice regarding guidelines for aligning the anterior teeth. The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity of laypersons to variations in the alignment of the anterior segment within a symmetrical face, and to investigate which guidelines were preferred by laypersons and prosthodontists when aligning this segment. Lay participants (21) were shown a series of 25 modified images of faces on a computer screen and asked to indicate 'noticeability' of tilt an..