Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The labiomental angle is a critical indicator of lower facial harmony and esthetics. This study investigated the impact of labiomental angle variations on facial attractiveness and examined how orthodontic education influenced aesthetic perception among dental students. Specifically, it evaluated the perceived attractiveness and acceptance of varying labiomental angles in Taiwanese and Caucasian women, aiming to explore potential cultural and educational effects on esthetic preferences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three-dimensional facial scans of one Taiwanese and one Caucasian adult female were digitally modified to generate eight labiomental angle variations (117°-152°, at 5° intervals). Each variation included five images and one video, resulting in 16 sets. Eighty-eight dental students assessed these images before and after attending orthodontic lectures. Attractiveness was evaluated using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), while acceptance was rated on a 3-point Likert scale. The null hypothesis proposed no significant difference in students' perception of attractiveness and acceptance between the two ethnic profiles. RESULTS: Before the lectures, the most attractive labiomental angle for the Taiwanese female was 137°, shifting to 147° after the lectures. For the Caucasian female, 117° remained the most attractive before and after the lectures. In terms of acceptance, the most preferred angles were 137° for the Taiwanese and 117° for the Caucasian profile. These differences were statistically significant, leading to rejection of the null hypothesis. CONCLUSION: Cultural background, ethnicity, and orthodontic education significantly influenced students' perceptions of labiomental esthetics, emphasizing the value of education in shaping aesthetic standards.