Aesthetic effect of minor changes in incisor angulation: an internet evaluation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the aesthetic assessment of different tiltings of the upper incisors with surrounding tissues. A picture of a smiling mouth revealing the upper anterior teeth from 15 to 25 was digitally transformed producing different tiltings of the incisors. These seven versions presented in a web-based survey were evaluated concerning their attractiveness. Overall 439 judges joined the evaluation. However, 249 judges were included in analysis, because only judges with normal wellbeings and completed questionnaires were accepted. These judges consisted of 38 dentists, 26 dental and 24 other students, 45 academics and 89 non-academics, while 27 gave no data about their profession. The results [median (first; third quartile)] showed significant that symmetrical incisors [67.5 (47.5; 85.0)] and minor changes in the angulation of one [65.0 (42.5; 80.0)] or both lateral incisors [65.0 (42.5; 80.0)], respectively, are aesthetically more attractive than the angulation of one [45.0 (27.5; 62.5)] or both central incisors [27.5 (16.3; 45.0)], or the combination of one tilted lateral and central incisor [37.5 (25.0; 60.0)]. These results confirm the results of a previous study where similar image versions without surrounding tissues were assessed concerning their attractiveness on printed photos.