Perceptions of Male Facial Attractiveness: Evaluating Profile Changes Through the Eyes of Laypeople, Orthodontists, and Dentists.

Objective: To evaluate the aesthetic perception of facial profile changes caused by varying maxillary and mandibular projections, comparing the preferences and sensitivity of laypersons, orthodontists, and general dentists. Materials and Methods: A series of digitally altered profile images representing incremental advancements and retrusions of the maxilla and mandible were presented to three groups: laypersons, orthodontists, and general dentists. Participants answered a series of questions on attractiveness and statistical analysis was conducted to compare intergroup differences in aesthetic preferences and tolerance thresholds for skeletal changes. Results: Orthodontists demonstrated the highest sensitivity to skeletal discrepancies, preferring profiles closer to cephalometric norms. General dentists exhibited moderate sensitivity, while laypersons showed a broader range of acceptance and often favoured slightly convex profiles with maxillary protrusion. Alterations in mandibular projection had a greater impact on aesthetic ratings than maxillary changes across all groups. Conclusion: Perceptions of profile aesthetics vary significantly among professional and non-professional observers. Understanding these differences is critical for treatment planning, particularly in orthognathic and orthodontic cases where patient satisfaction and aesthetic expectations must be balanced with clinical objectives.