Vahid Mollabashi
, Homa Farhadifard, Maryam Farhadian, Shaghayegh Barkhordar
*
Abstract
Background: Facial profile esthetics is an important component of facial attractiveness, and esthetic preferences vary across cultures. Limited evidence is available regarding how Iranian laypersons and dental professionals perceive variations in sagittal and vertical facial profiles. Objectives: To evaluate esthetic perceptions of digitally altered sagittal and vertical facial profile variations in Class I subjects among Iranian laypersons, orthodontists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 at Hamadan Dental School, Iran. Lateral facial profile photographs of one male and one female Class I model were digitally modified to create nine sagittal–vertical variations for each model. A total of 300 Iranian participants (260 laypersons, 20 orthodontists, and 20 oral and maxillofacial surgeons) rated 18 images using a nine-point visual analog scale. Demographic variables included sex, age, and education level. Statistical analyses compared esthetic ratings across evaluator groups and profile variations. Results: Laypersons preferred moderate sagittal–vertical profiles, whereas orthodontists and surgeons favored more protrusive profiles. Sex differences were minimal. Age showed limited influence on ratings, and education had negligible effects. Orthodontists and surgeons demonstrated strong agreement. Conclusion: Esthetic preferences differed by expertise, with laypersons favoring moderate profiles and professionals preferring protrusive ones. These findings may assist clinicians in improving communication regarding esthetic expectations