Rating of Canine Substitution Esthetics

Canine substitution is a viable treatment option for orthodontists when managing missing lateral incisors; however, many general dentists do not agree. The size, shape, position and color of the canines play an important role in influencing the esthetic results of the treatment. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the perception of canine substitution esthetics among various groups of individuals. Methods: In this study, there were five groups (n=30 each): orthodontists, general dentists, first year and fourth year dental students and laypeople. Evaluators were asked to fill out a questionnaire by rating the attractiveness of canine substitution cases with ideal and poor esthetic results on a 10-mm visual analogue scale (VAS). Four of the photos with ideal and poor occlusions served as controls. The individual ratings were measured in mm with a digital caliber to determine the rater's score. Mean VAS scores were calculated and ANOVA was used to compare the results among the different groups. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. Results: First year dental students, second year dental students, orthodontists and general dentists were found to rate canine substitution esthetics significantly more attractive than the laypeople (P < .05). There were significant differences between the female and male evaluators. Females gave significantly lower scores than the males (P=.004).

Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that first year dental students, second year dental students, orthodontists and general dentists perceive canine substitution esthetics in a similar way. It was interesting to note that laypeople rated canine substitution esthetics lower than did the other groups. Female evaluators were found to be more critical in their assessment of canine substitution esthetics than male evaluators.