Orthod Craniofac Res. 2025 Dec 13. doi: 10.1111/ocr.70070. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of seven key facial features on the perceived attractiveness of varying buccal corridor (BC) widths, aiming to inform personalied orthodontic treatment planning for enhanced smile aesthetics.
METHODS: A cross-sectional design was employed, using image manipulation software to alter BC widths (10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) and modify seven key facial features: vertical facial type, upper and lower facial width, interpupillary distance, eye fissure width, ala nasi width and maxillary central incisor (MCI) width. Online questionnaires were used to assess aesthetic preferences for each BC width. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression.
RESULTS: A total of 511 valid questionnaires were collected, BC widths of 15% and 20% were consistently rated as the most attractive, while extremely narrow or wide BCs were less preferred. Aesthetic suitability varied by age, gender, and facial features: slightly wider BCs were perceived as more harmonious for middle-aged individuals and dolichofacial males, especially when upper facial width was narrow. In contrast, broader ala nasi suited smaller BCs, while variations in interpupillary distance, eye fissure width, and MCI width had limited impact.
CONCLUSIONS: Aesthetic preferences for BC are influenced by both demographic and facial soft tissue characteristics. These findings offer clinical guidance for personalised orthodontic treatment planning to enhance smile aesthetics.
PMID:41388805 | DOI:10.1111/ocr.70070
