Influence of Gender and Emotional State on Tooth Colour Perception: A Clinical Study

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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Tooth colour perception is critical to aesthetic outcomes in restorative dentistry and patient satisfaction. Psychological and gender-related factors may modulate individual colour perception. This study evaluates the influence of gender and emotional state on tooth colour self-perception in healthy adults. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 100 adults (50 women, 50 men; mean age 32.2 years) without anterior restorations or systemic disease. Tooth shade was assessed by (i) operator visual matching using the VITA Classical A1–D4 guide, (ii) patient self-selection with the same guide, and (iii) spectrophotometric measurement (Spectroshade Micro). Emotional state was measured using the abbreviated Profile of Mood States (POMS-SF); the OHIP-14 was administered to characterise oral health–related quality of life. Statistical analyses included the Chi-squared test, Kendall’s τ, and t-test, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: A significant association between gender and the magnitude of patient–operator discrepancy was found (p = 0.013): women showed higher rates of complete agreement or two-step differences, whereas men more frequently exhibited one-step differences. Positive mood parameters (feeling active, energetic, satisfied) correlated with greater patient–operator agreement (τ = 0.17–0.23, p < 0.05). Significant association was neither observed between patient self-selection and spectrophotometric measurement (p = 0.225), nor between facial undertone, facial colour contrast, or depressive mood levels. Conclusions: Gender and emotional state influence subjective tooth colour perception. Positive mood is associated with improved agreement between perceived and clinically assessed colour. These findings support a personalised, gender- and mood-informed approach to shade selection and patient management in aesthetic dentistry.

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