Soft tissue profile preference of layperson among different cultures

OBJECTIVES: To assess the profile preferences of laypeople in (USA, Switzerland, Lebanon, South Africa, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey), and to assess if gender, age, race, education and income had influence on decision. METHODS: 535 laypersons rated fifty profile silhouettes of profile after altering the lip in five 1 mm increments in the sagittal direction and nose in three sagittal and vertical directions, creating 45 combinations. Demographics were collected. The soft tissue values were incorporated. ANOVA with post hocTukey test were used to compare difference in means in each location. Multivariate regression model was used to assess the effect of demographics on preference. RESULTS: The mean preference was significantly different across locations at p-value of <.0001. In the United States and Lebanon, the most preferred profile was original lip and nose, in Switzerland and South Africa, was L-2, N A -1, V -1, in Japan and Saudi Arabia, was L0, N A +1, V-1, and in Turkey, was L+2, N A -1, V+1. Profile change, location, gender and race were significant confounders at p-value of <.0001, <.0001, <.0001 and 0.02 respectively, on the other hand, age, education and income were not. CONCLUSION: Layperson’s perception of lip and nose position is different among the seven locations. Layperson prefer profiles within one standard deviation from the norms for Caucasians behind the E-line. Layperson is not reliable in their rating of lip changes within ∓2 mm. Gender and race are significant confounders unlike age, education and income

Multinational study on profile preference of laypersons

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the facial profile preferences of lay people in seven locations from different countries and whether their place of residence, sex, age, race, education, or income influenced the decision. METHODS: After altering the lip and nose in 1 mm increments in the sagittal and sagittal/vertical directions, 50 profile silhouettes with white-like facial features were rated by evaluators. The soft tissue values were integrated into the profiles, and profile preferences were identified for each location. An ANOVA with post hoc Tukey test was used to compare the differences in mean preference in each location. A multivariable regression model was used to assess the effect of the demographics of the evaluator on preference. RESULTS: Thirteen profiles were ultimately analyzed. The mean for profile preference was significantly different across locations (P < 0.0001). For evaluators in the United States and Lebanon, the most preferred profile had the original lip and original nose. In Switzerland and South Africa, retrusive lips, and a small and less upturned nose was most preferred. In Japan and Saudi Arabia, the most preferred profile had the original lip and a protrusive nose that was less upturned. A protrusive lip with a small, upturned nose was preferred in Turkey. Profile change (P < 0.0001), location (P < 0.0001), sex (P < 0.0001), and race (P = 0.02) were significant confounders; in contrast, age, education, and income were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Profile preference is different among the seven locations. For the most part, lay people prefer profiles within one SD from white norms. Also, an upturned nose is the least favored in most of the locations. Sex and race are also significant confounders. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An orthodontic treatment plan decision is affected by an individual's preference for their facial appearance. This study helps clinicians understand how racial and regional differences may affect patients' preferences and, therefore, their expectations for orthodontic treatment results