Six malocclusions influence on the perception of intelligence, physical attractiveness and interpersonal skills

Abstract

It has been suggested that social behavior is strongly determined by the perception of facial aesthetics. Among the facial features, dental appearance constitutes a significant factor in social interactions; malocclusions not only reduce facial attractiveness but also pose a greater risk of psychological disadvantages and adverse social reactions that may affect the overall wellbeing of patients. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different malocclusions in the perception of laypeople regarding intelligence, attractiveness, and interpersonal skills, by assessing photographs of a male subject and a female subject who presented: anterior open bite, deep bite, underbite (anterior crossbite), excessive overjet, crowding, and spacing. Survey data was collected from 500 USFQ students, in which observers assessed the mentioned traits by observing photographs that had been digitally manipulated to exhibit normal occlusion and each of the six mentioned malocclusions, using a 5-point Likert scale. The ratings of intelligence, physical attractiveness and interpersonal skills differed significantly depending on the occlusion status depicted (P < .000). Both subjects with normal occlusion received higher ratings for all three characteristics, while subjects with anterior crossbite received the lowest ratings. No statistically significant differences between the perception of male and female observers were found. Male model received lower grades in the three traits evaluated for each malocclusion. Subjects with normal occlusion were rated the most positively while anterior crossbite has the greatest negative impact on these features.