The perception of facial esthetics with regard to different buccal corridors and facial proportions

Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine the effects of buccal corridor width on the perception of facial esthetics and to determine the ideal buccal corridor size. It also aimed to determine the influence of facial shape or gender on the ideal size of buccal corridors and whether there are differences in perception between laypeople and dental professionals (LPs and DP). Material and Methods: One female and one male study model were selected and photographed in portrait format. Using Photoshop, a total of 30 digitally manipulated images were generated from the original photographs, representing five different buccal corridor sizes (2%, 10%, 15%, 22%, and 28%) and three different facial shapes (dolichol-, normo-, and brachyfacial). Two groups of LP and DP evaluated the images. Each group consisted of 20 male and 20 female participants with a mean age of 30.33 ± 5.19 (LP) and 32.03 ± 4.43 (DP). Descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon sign-rank test, Mann–Whitney U-test, and Bonferroni correction were then used to assess the significance of the data, which identify differences between genders and the impact of facial form. Results: The buccal corridor width was found to influence the facial and smile esthetics. The 2% buccal corridor proved to be the best-rated size and stood out from the other sizes in most face shapes with a significance of P < 0.004. A difference in the evaluation between the DP and LP could not be found. Conclusion: Large buccal corridors seem to affect facial esthetics negatively. The results of the present study suggest an ideal value of the buccal corridor at 2%.