The influence of interdental spacing on perceived smile aesthetics

Introduction: This cross-sectional study aims to assess the influence of varying patterns and size of interdental spacing on perceived smile aesthetics amongst general dentists, orthodontists, lay adults and children. Methods: A photograph of the ideal smile was digitally manipulated to display varying patterns and sizes of interdental spacing. In total, twenty-five images were shown in a questionnaire format to forty participants in each group. Each photo was rated on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: The ideal image was preferred to interdental spacing by all groups (p<0.05). The images with generalised spacing had the lowest VAS ratings compared to the ideal image and this was statistically and clinically significant (p<0.00). The difference in VAS scores between children and professional groups was statistically significant (p