Short answer

When designing for dental aesthetics, acknowledge that 'beauty' is subjective and varies between end-users and experts; prioritize features that align with the primary target audience's aesthetic values.

Field: Classic Design
Source: Acta Stomatologica Croatica (2017)
Method: Comparative assessment using a modified aesthetic scale.
Sample: 91 participants (21 general population, 20 dental graduates, 20 dental prosthetics specialists, plus 30 patients whose photos were used).
Evidence: Strong effect

Perceptions of dental aesthetics vary significantly between the general public and dental professionals, with the public prioritizing gum appearance over tooth shape and color, while specialists focus on tooth form and color. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2017 study published in Acta Stomatologica Croatica. Using Comparative assessment using a modified aesthetic scale. with 91 participants (21 general population, 20 dental graduates, 20 dental prosthetics specialists, plus 30 patients whose photos were used)., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing for dental aesthetics, acknowledge that 'beauty' is subjective and varies between end-users and experts; prioritize features that align with the primary target audience's aesthetic values.

Study

Classic DesignHigh ImpactStrong effect

Facial Aesthetics: A Discrepancy in Dental Arch and Gum Perception

Acta Stomatologica Croatica · 2017

Key Findings

01General population rated gum appearance highest and tooth appearance lowest.
02Dental prosthetics specialists rated tooth shape and color highest and gum appearance lowest.
03Age and gender influenced aesthetic judgments.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When developing new dental materials or aesthetic procedures, conduct user research to understand which specific features (e.g., tooth color, gum line, tooth shape) are most valued by the intended patient demographic.

Project actions

01When researching aesthetic preferences, consider surveying a diverse range of potential users, not just experts in the field.
02Clearly define the aesthetic criteria you are evaluating and how they relate to the overall user experience.

Method & Evidence

AimTo investigate how different groups (general public, dental graduates, prosthodontic specialists) perceive the aesthetic characteristics of teeth, gums, and the lower face.

MethodComparative assessment using a modified aesthetic scale.

ProcedurePhotographs of patients' smiles were evaluated by three distinct groups of assessors using the Orofacial Aesthetic Scale (OAS).

Sample91 participants (21 general population, 20 dental graduates, 20 dental prosthetics specialists, plus 30 patients whose photos were used).

ContextDental aesthetics and facial perception.

Variables

IV["Type of assessor group (general public, dental graduate, prosthodontic specialist)","Age of assessor","Gender of assessor"]

DV["Aesthetic scores for teeth (shape, color)","Aesthetic scores for gums","Aesthetic scores for dental arches","Aesthetic scores for smile","Aesthetic scores for lower third of face"]

CV["Angle class I dentition","Permanent fully toothed dentition","No prosthetic work done","Photographed while smiling"]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Comparison between distinct groups of assessors.
+Use of a validated (modified) aesthetic scale.

Limitations

The sample size for each assessor group was relatively small, and the study was limited to specific dental conditions.

Reliability & validity

The use of a modified OAS questionnaire suggests an attempt at standardized measurement, but reliability and validity would depend on the specific modifications and pilot testing. The comparison between groups provides a form of construct validity by examining if different groups indeed hold different aesthetic views.

Think critically

How might the cultural background of the assessors influence their perception of dental aesthetics, and how could this be incorporated into future research?

Design Principles

"Aesthetic design must account for the perceptual differences between lay users and domain experts to achieve user satisfaction."

Understanding these differing aesthetic priorities is crucial for designers and engineers developing dental products or aesthetic treatments. It highlights the need to consider the target audience's specific visual preferences, which may not align with expert opinions.

What This Means for Your Design

What looks good to a dentist might not look as good to a regular person, especially when it comes to teeth and gums.

How to use in your project

1.Use this study to justify the need for user aesthetic preference research in your design project, especially if your project involves visual appeal.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

Research indicates that aesthetic perceptions of dental features differ significantly between the general public and dental professionals. For instance, the general population tends to prioritize the appearance of gums, while dental specialists focus more on tooth shape and color. This divergence highlights the importance of understanding target user preferences when designing aesthetic solutions, as expert opinions may not always align with end-user expectations.

Source

Acta Stomatologica Croatica

Assessment of Esthetic Characteristics of the Teeth and Surrounding Anatomical Structures

journal · 2017

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about facial aesthetics: a discrepancy in dental arch and gum perception?: When designing for dental aesthetics, acknowledge that 'beauty' is subjective and varies between end-users and experts; prioritize features that align with the primary target audience's aesthetic values. Evidence: Acta Stomatologica Croatica (2017).
Why does "Facial Aesthetics: A Discrepancy in Dental Arch and Gum Perception" matter for design?: Understanding these differing aesthetic priorities is crucial for designers and engineers developing dental products or aesthetic treatments. It highlights the need to consider the target audience's specific visual preferences, which may not align with expert opinions.
How can designers apply this research?: When designing for dental aesthetics, acknowledge that 'beauty' is subjective and varies between end-users and experts; prioritize features that align with the primary target audience's aesthetic values.
What were the main findings?: General population rated gum appearance highest and tooth appearance lowest.. Dental prosthetics specialists rated tooth shape and color highest and gum appearance lowest.. Age and gender influenced aesthetic judgments.
What research method was used?: Comparative assessment using a modified aesthetic scale. with 91 participants (21 general population, 20 dental graduates, 20 dental prosthetics specialists, plus 30 patients whose photos were used)..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2017 journal from Acta Stomatologica Croatica.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When developing new dental materials or aesthetic procedures, conduct user research to understand which specific features (e.g., tooth color, gum line, tooth shape) are most valued by the intended patient demographic.
What are the limitations?: The study focused on a specific Angle class I dentition and did not account for a wide range of facial types or dental conditions.