A Study of Factors Affecting Perception of South Asian Profile Esthetics Among Orthodontists and Laypersons

Abstract

The goal of this research is to investigate the factors that affect perception of South Asian profile esthetics among laypersons and orthodontists. A comparative ranking of South Asian profiles and Caucasian profile silhouettes was studied. Scores based on esthetic preference were provided by survey respondents on a numerical scale. Results were analyzed for statistical significance using regression models. Individual profiles were analyzed using cephalometric tracings, and twelve hard and soft tissue cephalometric variables were selected to be studied. Due to the growing diversity of the orthodontic patient pool, orthodontists should be aware of the specific factors that influence esthetics across cultures. Esthetic normal values developed for Caucasians may not necessarily apply to the South Asian patient. Our results show that a convex profile is found to be more esthetically acceptable in a South Asian population than in a Caucasian population among both orthodontists and laypersons. Specifically, it was found that correlations between esthetic scores with interincisal angle and lower lip protrusion were statistically different between Caucasian and South Asian profiles. When treating patients of South Asian backgrounds, it may be possible to maintain slightly greater than average lower lip protrusion or slightly greater than average dental protrusion without negatively impacting profile esthetics among this ethnic group. Knowledge of these trends can help orthodontists with treatment decisions among this group of patients.