Aesthetic perceptions of incisal plane edging, deviation and angulation of the maxillary dental midline evaluated at a Peruvian university

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to identify differences in aesthetic perception regarding incisal plane edging (IPC), midline deviation (MLD), and maxillary dental midline angulation (MLA) among natural individuals, undergraduate students, and graduate students at a Peruvian university. Material and methods: A photograph of a subject was digitally manipulated to generate a symmetrical facial model (SFM). Subsequently, alterations were introduced to the incisal plane and dental midline, incorporating variations in deviations and angulations with distinct values. A virtual survey was administered to 60 natural individuals, 30 undergraduate students, and 30 graduate students, gathering information regarding their aesthetic preferences. Results: The analysis revealed that images which were consistently rated by the majority within each group as "very unaesthetic" included the following: dental midline deviation (DLM) of 3 mm, midline deviation (MLD) of 3°, and maxillary dental midline angulation (ALM) of 7°. Similarly, the combined image involving a DLM of 3 mm and an ALM of 7° was also perceived as very unaesthetic. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that an increase in CPI, DLM, and ALM leads to a reduction in the perceived attractiveness of a smile.