Introduction
In this study, we explored how others perceive persons with normal occlusion or different
malocclusions (open bite, deepbite, underbite, overjet, crowding, and spacing). The
objectives were to investigate (1) how occlusion affects others’ perceptions of attractiveness,
intelligence, and personality, and their desire to interact in personal and professional
settings, and (2) whether these assessments are affected by the target person’s sex
or the respondent’s characteristics.
Methods
Survey data were collected from 889 patients or accompanying adults (46% male, 54%
female; age range, 18-90 years) who evaluated target photos that had been manipulated
to display either a normal occlusion or 1 of 6 malocclusions.
Results
The ratings of attractiveness, intelligence, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and
extraversion differed significantly depending on the occlusion status depicted. Persons
with normal occlusion were rated as most attractive, intelligent, agreeable, and extraverted,
whereas persons with an underbite were rated as least attractive, intelligent, and
extraverted. Female targets were rated more positively than male targets. Younger
respondents and more educated respondents were more critical in their evaluations
than were older and less educated respondents.
Conclusions
Occlusion status affects a person’s perceptions comprehensively. Subjects with normal
occlusion were rated the most positively.
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Article Info
Publication History
Accepted:
February 2011
Received in revised form:
February 2011
Received:
March 2010
Footnotes
The authors report no commercial, proprietary, or financial interest in the products or companies described in this article.
Supported by a grant from the Delta Dental Foundation to the first author.
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
