Evaluating the Perceptions of Smile Aesthetics among Dental Students at King Abdul-Aziz University: A cross-Sectional Study

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Abstract
Background: Individuals seek out cosmetic dentists not so much for improved dental function or overall health but rather to improve the appearance of their teeth and gain more social acceptance. This study aimed to evaluate how dental students at King Abdul-Aziz University (KAU) perceived smiles based on their gender. Methods: The study included two hundred students with clinical experience from the College of Dentistry, KAU. The data were collected using a three-part validated questionnaire. The first part included socio-demographic items; the second part included two close-ended questions regarding aesthetic characteristics; and the third part consisted of perception to seventeen photos of digitally manipulated smiles to be assessed using a numeric rating scale (NRS), (1, best; 5, worst). Results: The first facial feature to catch the attention of most students was a smile, which was followed by the eyes. Almost 98% of the participants considered the smile one of the most important features of facial aesthetics. According to Faradeni research, men valued their gingival smile characteristic (p=0.013) and teeth color (p=0.001) substantially higher than women. Conversely, females had higher crucial margin discrepancy (p=0.038) and convex occlusal plane (p>0.001) than males. Conclusion: When it comes to the gingival smile, teeth color, and the initial facial feature that attracts the eye, women perceive smiles as more aesthetically pleasing than men. Gingival margin discrepancy and convex occlusal plane were more critical in males than females. Understanding smile aesthetics from the perspective of dental students enhances patient care, education, and overall treatment outcomes.

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