Retrospective cross-sectional study observes no independent link between smile arc curvature and skeletal patterns in orthodontic patients, suggesting smile aesthetics are multifactorial.
Key Points
To evaluate the association between smile arc curvature, sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns, and maxillary incisor display in orthodontic patients.
Retrospective cross-sectional analytical study evaluating N=150 eligible orthodontic patients at King Khalid University College of Dentistry.
Analyzed standardized pretreatment posed smile photographs and lateral cephalometric radiographs to classify smile arc curvature as consonant, flat, or reverse.
Assessed associations with sagittal skeletal pattern (ANB), vertical skeletal pattern (SN–MP), and maxillary incisor display using bivariate tests and multivariable logistic regression.
A consonant smile arc was the most prevalent pattern, observed in 63.3% of patients.
No significant associations were observed between smile arc curvature and sagittal skeletal pattern (ANB) or maxillary incisor display.
A significant association between smile arc curvature and vertical skeletal pattern was identified in unadjusted analysis, but this was not maintained after multivariable adjustment.