Volume 15, Issue 1 (March 2026)
Caspian J Dent Res 2026, 15(1): 1-10 |
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Ethics code: IR.MUBABOL.HRI.REC.1401.055
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Forouhar G, Rahmati Kamel M, Seyedmajidi S, Faraji R. Effects of Nasal and Chin Deviations Relative to the Dental Midline on Perceived Facial Attractiveness. Caspian J Dent Res 2026; 15 (1) :1-10
URL: http://cjdr.ir/article-1-481-en.html
URL: http://cjdr.ir/article-1-481-en.html
Assistant Professor, Oral Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, I.R.Iran. , rezafarajiortho1@gmail.com
Abstract: (2 Views)
Introduction: Facial attractiveness plays a crucial role in social interactions, with the dental midline and smile being key factors in aesthetic perception. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of nasal and chin deviations relative to the dental midline on perceived facial attractiveness among laypersons, final-year dental students, and dental specialists.
Materials & Methods: In this observational-analytical study, 126 observers (42 from each group) evaluated digitally altered images of a female model with a 3 mm leftward nasal and chin deviation, along with varying dental midline shifts (from 2 mm right to 4 mm left in 1 mm increments). Observers rated the images using a 5-point Likert scale for aesthetics and attractiveness. Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon tests (α=0.05).
Results: Laypersons did not significantly perceive leftward shifts of 1 to 3 mm (aligned with the nasal and chin deviation) as different from the symmetric image, but found rightward shifts and a 4 mm leftward shift less attractive (p=0.004, p<0.001, and p=0.002). Dental students detected all shifts except the 1 mm leftward deviation as significantly different. Specialists identified all deviations as statistically significant (p<0.001). No significant differences were found between male and female lay observers.
Conclusion: Dental midline deviations should be assessed in relation to overall facial symmetry rather than in isolation. When the deviation is in the same direction as nasal and chin asymmetry, correction may offer limited esthetic benefit. Therefore, treatment decisions should consider facial asymmetry and patient expectations before pursuing complex midline correction.
Materials & Methods: In this observational-analytical study, 126 observers (42 from each group) evaluated digitally altered images of a female model with a 3 mm leftward nasal and chin deviation, along with varying dental midline shifts (from 2 mm right to 4 mm left in 1 mm increments). Observers rated the images using a 5-point Likert scale for aesthetics and attractiveness. Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon tests (α=0.05).
Results: Laypersons did not significantly perceive leftward shifts of 1 to 3 mm (aligned with the nasal and chin deviation) as different from the symmetric image, but found rightward shifts and a 4 mm leftward shift less attractive (p=0.004, p<0.001, and p=0.002). Dental students detected all shifts except the 1 mm leftward deviation as significantly different. Specialists identified all deviations as statistically significant (p<0.001). No significant differences were found between male and female lay observers.
Conclusion: Dental midline deviations should be assessed in relation to overall facial symmetry rather than in isolation. When the deviation is in the same direction as nasal and chin asymmetry, correction may offer limited esthetic benefit. Therefore, treatment decisions should consider facial asymmetry and patient expectations before pursuing complex midline correction.
Type of Study: Research Paper |
Subject:
Orthodontics
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