SMILE AESTHETICS PERCEPTION ACROSS POPULATIONS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF CULTURAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL INFLUENCES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.5935Keywords:
Smile Aesthetics, Facial Attractiveness, Aesthetic Perception, Social Perception, Cultural Differences, Cross-Cultural Perception, Psychological Factors, Self-Perception, First Impression, Quality of LifeAbstract
Objectives: The aim of this narrative review was to synthesize the determinants of smile aesthetics perception across different populations, with special emphasis on cultural, psychological, social, and individual influences.
Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using full-text scientific publications retrieved from the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Studies published between 1981 and 2026 concerning topics like smile aesthetics, facial attractiveness, aesthetic perception, cultural differences, psychological factors, and social perception were analyzed and organized into thematic categories.
Key Findings: The reviewed literature demonstrated that smile aesthetics perception is influenced not only by objective anatomical parameters but also by observer-related factors. Although tooth symmetry, proportions, smile line curvature, and gingival display remain important determinants of attractiveness, their perception is strongly modulated by cultural background, education, personality traits, self-esteem, and previous experiences. Major differences were observed between dental professionals and laypersons, as well as among populations representing different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Social media also increasingly shaped expectations regarding the “ideal smile” and contributed to growing interest in cosmetic dental procedures.
Conclusions: Smile aesthetics perception is a complex phenomenon resulting from interactions between biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors. Contemporary aesthetic dentistry should adopt individualized and culturally adapted approaches that integrate objective anatomical analysis with patients’ subjective expectations and psychosocial context.
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