Impact of assessing smile parameters as part of orthodontic treatment planning - a survey based analysis.

BACKGROUND: Smile forms an imporatnt aspect of facial analysis, as it contributes to overall facial esthetics. Many orthodontists pay more attention to cephalometric radiograph; and profile assessment to improve their patients' esthetics; however, the facial attractiveness of the individuals is obviously improved through enhancing their smiles. This study was aimed at evaluating the impact of analyzing certain smile esthetic parameters on diagnosis and treatment plan for individuals seeking orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic questionnaire with 24 questions arranged on five main axes was designed. These axes included smile arc, smile line, buccal corridors, smile symmetry, and photographic analysis of the smile, with several questions in each axis. The electronic link of the questionnaire was sent to all members of the Iraqi Orthodontic Society in April 2019. The answers were collected after 4 weeks of questionnaire link distribution date. RESULTS: Among the surveyed orthodontists, there was a consistent agreement to assess the smile arc, smile line, buccal corridors, and smile symmetry, with main axes scores (4.14 +/- 0.81, 4.1 +/- 0.79, 3.86 +/- 0.82, and 4.16 +/- 0.86 respectively). Moreover, the participants prefer, with 3.89 +/- 0.86 main axis score, to use the facial photograph for a less time-consuming and detailed evaluation of smile features. CONCLUSIONS: Smile parameters, for example, smile arc, smile line, buccal corridors, and smile symmetry are better to be analyzed using photographs during orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.