Perspectives of individuals from different age groups on factors determining smile aesthetics

Purpose: The objective of this study is to assess the aesthetic preferences of individuals, particularly those categorized into different age groups, regarding smiles influenced by specific parameters identified to affect smile aesthetics. This evaluation aims to guide the development of customized smile designs and treatment planning tailored to the aesthetic expectations and dental needs of individuals in each age group. Materials and Methods: In this study, 220 individuals were divided into three different groups based on their age ranges. Fundamentally, there are two groups categorized as young and older individuals: 18–38 and 43–63 years. Additionally, individuals aged 39–42 were included as a control group to evaluate potential deviations in the study. Photographs of the sample model were taken using a digital camera (Canon EOS 600D, Taiwan) with a twin flash (Canon Macro Twin Lite MT24EX, Japan). Subsequently, modifications were made to six smile components using Adobe Photoshop CC, resulting in the creation of 12 modified smile photographs. The smile components modified included the buccal corridor, smile line, lateral tooth dimensions, midline, dark spaces due to the lack of embrasures, and tooth shapes. Using these modified visual photographs, an online survey was created to be accessible via the internet. The data obtained from the survey responses were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 17.0 software package (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA). Results: In our study, smile photographs with a normal smile line were preferred at a higher percentage in both age groups. In the evaluation of smile photographs based on buccal corridor width, younger individuals more frequently preferred a narrower buccal corridor (41%), while older individuals tended to prefer a wider buccal corridor (37%). Regarding the images assessing midline deviation, the results showed that both age groups predominantly preferred visuals without midline deviation, with no significant difference between the groups. In both age groups, smile photographs featuring lateral teeth enlarged by 10% were preferred at a higher percentage. Based on the responses to smile visuals showing dark spaces in the gingiva due to a lack of embrasures, photographs without papillary deficiency were favored most in both groups. Finally, in smile photographs evaluating tooth shapes, younger individuals showed a higher preference (66%) for photographs featuring square-shaped teeth. Conclusion: In conclusion, an overall evaluation of our study reveals that individuals from different age groups exhibit varying aesthetic criteria, likely due to the natural changes that occur in the oral cavity with age. Based on this observation, treatments for older and younger individuals should be tailored to their respective age groups, taking these differences into account. Keywords: Smile aesthetics, age groups, smile aesthetic parameters.