PERCEPTION THRESHOLD, ESTHETIC ACCEPTABILITY, AND TREATMENT NEED OF MAXILLARY DENTAL MIDLINE DEVIATION AMONG UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL STUDENTS ACROSS DIFFERENT ACADEMIC YEARS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE-BASED STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: The study investigates the relationship between dental midline deviation and perceived smile attractiveness among undergraduate dental students. It highlights the importance of facial symmetry in orthodontic treatment, noting that while many individuals possess some degree of facial asymmetry, the aesthetic implications of correcting dental midline discrepancies can be significant. The research aims to evaluate the perception threshold, aesthetic acceptability, and treatment needs related to maxillary dental midline deviations. Methodology: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students at D.Y Patil Deemed to be University School of Dentistry, Navi Mumbai. After obtaining participants provided informed consent, a pilot study was conducted to ensure questionnaire clarity and feasibility. The final sample consisted of 152 students aged 18-25, selected through proportional sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing demographic information and perceptions of five standardized smile images with varying midline deviations. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, focusing on descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to evaluate associations between variables. Results: The study included 152 participants, predominantly aged 18-25, with a majority being female (70.4%). Smile attractiveness ratings showed a decline from Smile A (most attractive) to Smile E (least attractive). Recognition of smile asymmetry increased with the degree of deviation, and the perceived need for orthodontic treatment rose correspondingly. Gender differences were statistically significant for Smile A and Smile C in attractiveness ratings, but not in asymmetry recognition or treatment necessity. Previous orthodontic treatment history did not significantly affect asymmetry detection. Conclusion: The findings indicate that increased smile asymmetry correlates with decreased attractiveness and a heightened perceived need for orthodontic treatment among young adults. While minor asymmetries are generally acceptable, larger deviations are easily recognized and often deemed in need of correction. Among the participants, all the dental students would detect asymmetry even in 1 mm deviations, whereas laypersons could detect them when the deviations were 2mm or more according to Ferreira et al. The study emphasizes the importance of considering patient aesthetics alongside clinical evaluations in orthodontic treatment planning.