Esthetic Issues in Behavioral Dentistry

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Abstract
This paper provides a brief overview of foundational research on general facial attractiveness, followed by descriptions of several conditions affecting dental-facial appearance and the treatments for these conditions, as well as a discussion of the methodological and measurement concerns that have shaped this area of research. Facial esthetics has been shown to be the most consistent and compelling determinant of self and social perceptions and attributions. Consequently, dental and surgical practitioners would benefit from the ability to assess accurately the true impact, or psychosocial liability, of various types of impairment, including cleft lip and/or palate, orthognathic conditions, and the broad range of commonly-occurring malocclusions. Many misperceptions about the etiology and effects of impairments persist among the general public, and these contribute to the negative influence that dental-facial impairments can have on the evaluation of facial appearance. Surgical and orthodontic treatment can significantly improve self-perceptions of dental-facial appearance and some aspects of self-image. Researchers also have developed reliable techniques for assessing these effects. Future research should be focused on clarifying responses to dental-facial impairment, and building on current foundations within a social-cognitive framework, which appears particularly well-suited to these issues.

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