Smile aesthetics-How important is it?: A study of the correlation of subjects' perception and dentists' objective assessment of malocclusion and treatment need

Physical appearance of an individual may be the single variable feature having its greatest impact on self-esteem, behavioural patterns and personal interactions. The oral area is the one through which verbal and also some non-verbal communication takes place, and represents the primary focal point during all of the interpersonal interactions. Therefore, a facial disfigurement such as a severe malocclusion can often have psychological consequences, such as low self-esteem, and hence decrease social interaction with others. This study supports the contention that the person’s perception of their dentition and their demand for treatment is of considerable importance in determining whether the treatment is to be offered or not. The motivation to seek orthodontic treatment appears to be strongly associated with the individuals’ perceptions of the extent to which their dentofacial appearance deviates from sociocultural norms.