Esthetic Evaluation of Buccal Corridor Width in Top Female Models

OBJECTIVES: The results of research on the relationship between the width of buccal corridor and smile attractiveness vary. Some studies indicate that narrow buccal corridors are more attractive while others refute these conclusions. The purpose of this study was to document the range and variation of the width of buccal corridors in a sample of top-tier magazine models, as these models' smiles are representative of the most attractive and ideal smiles in society today. METHODS: All issues of 4 top fashion magazines (Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and GQ) published during the period of 2005 through 2007 were searched for full-face color photographs of female models smiling directly at the camera. Twenty-five photographs met these criteria and were selected for analysis. These photographs were scanned; models' faces were magnified without distortion for consistency and ease of measurement. Size-constant photos were printed in color on HP Premium Photo paper for analysis. Length of the visible dentition and inner commissure width was measured in mm directly from the printed photographs using landmarks determined by an experienced orthodontist. Percentage buccal corridor was then calculated by dividing the length of the visible dentition by the inner commissure width. RESULTS: Results indicate that the mean, standard deviation, and range of buccal corridors were 4.75%, 3.58%, and 0.0-13.73%, respectively. After removal of three outliers from the data set (13.73%, 12.82%, and 10.71%), mean buccal corridor width was 3.70% (SD=2.21%). CONCLUSIONS: In general, the results of this study suggest that, under most circumstances, minimal buccal corridors are associated with smile attractiveness. However, as this was a pilot study, more research is needed to further examine the contribution of buccal corridor space to esthetic smiles in contemporary society.