A QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF ORTHODONTIC RESIDENTS' SELF PERCEPTIONS OF FACIAL FEATURES

Abstract

Mankind has always sought ways to improve appearance. These esthetic goals have been ever-present throughout our history and have evolved dramatically over time. The teeth and smile have always been a central focus in the way we view ourselves and others. Thus, we have appropriately sought ways to improve upon this appearance and alter the look of our teeth. Although orthodontics has evolved greatly over time, the goals of this specialty continue to change as paradigms shift. The subjective nature of treatment success and the judgment of an individual patient's outcome illustrate the importance of a qualitative approach. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the factors that influence facial preferences and self-perceptions, in order to maximize patient-doctor communication and treatment goals. Eleven orthodontic residents participated in a sculpture course and subsequent interviews to determine how they qualitatively analyze faces. The residents enlarged the most liked, important, and defining internal features (nose, eyes, and mouth) in their respective clay busts. A self enhancement bias was observed in the form of thinned faces and improvements in the shape and size of certain sculpted features. The importance of symmetry, averageness, and sexually dimorphic (primarily feminine) alterations were witnessed. The reliance on expression to convey personality was seen in all of the women that participated in this study. Facial distinctiveness was increased by accentuating liked or defining facial features and over-exaggerating disliked features, as in a caricature. The accuracy of a residents' perception was greatest in a frontal two dimensional view but decreased markedly in three dimensions. Residents prioritized physical characteristics over personality traits. Residents were able to correctly identify which features were the least accurately recreated in the bust and closely estimated the measurement differences. The results of this study illustrate the importance of employing carefully structured interviews and evaluations to psychologically analyze patients considering treatment.