Factors Affecting Patient's Satisfaction with the Appearance of Teeth, Gums and Treatments that Improve Aesthetics in Saudi Arabian Sub-Population

BACKGROUND Dental appearance influences the facial aesthetics that includes smile harmony, tooth colour, shape, arrangement and visibility. METHODS The current study aims to identify and evaluate factors affecting patients' satisfaction towards the appearance of teeth & gums; and dental treatments that facilitate facial and dental aesthetics. 300 patients were surveyed with a questionnaire containing close-ended questions on their gender, age, education, tooth appearance, orthodontic and teeth whitening treatments, tooth & gum-related problems and satisfaction levels towards dental and facial aesthetics. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were performed on the collected data. RESULTS A majority (76 %) of the study population desired to undergo bleaching treatment for teeth whitening. 70 % of the respondents also wish for composites, while only 40 % desired orthodontic appliances. Satisfaction with dental appearance is significantly found to affect facial appearance. Also, similar to dental appearance, there is a statistically significant relation between the desire for tooth bleaching, orthodontic appliance, and composites and satisfaction towards facial appearance. Satisfaction with gingival appearance, tooth-colour, and satisfaction with smile appearance are found to affect the satisfaction towards facial appearance. CONCLUSIONS Tooth colour was observed to be a crucial aspect that affects the overall dental aesthetics and satisfaction levels of the participants. It was realized from this investigation that dental care, better hygiene and treatments for improving dental aesthetics are relevant for patients’ satisfaction regarding overall facial appearance and aesthetics. KEY WORDS Dental Aesthetics, Facial Aesthetics, Orthodontic Treatment, Tooth Whitening