Abstract

PINHEIRO, Fábio Henrique de Sá Leitão et al. Comparing the perception and esthetic need of orthodontic treatment between patients and orthodontists from Natal/RN and João Pessoa/PB. Rev. Dent. Press Ortodon. Ortop. Facial [online]. 2005, vol.10, n.2, pp. 54-61. ISSN 1415-5419.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1415-54192005000200008.

This work aimed to compare the sense of esthetics, and the capacity to deem the need of orthodontic treatment, between orthodontists and their respective patients in the cities of Natal-RN and João Pessoa-PB, Brazil. Questionnaires containing illustrations of certain aspects of malocclusions (facial patterns, facial asymmetries, unbalanced profiles, smiles and intraoral views) were handed out to patients and local professionals in order to ease a comparision of the esthetic valorization degree between both of these groups. Tables and statistic tests demonstrated the existing differences and brought about important information for the clinician to recognize the patient´s esthetic perspectives, leading to a better mutual understanding throughout the treatment.

Keywords : Esthetics; Orthodontics; Malocclusion; Facial analysis.