Facial aesthetics is shaped not only by genetic predispositions but also by the cultural norms and values

Abstract

The positioning of teeth is of significant importance, both in terms of function and aesthetics. Aesthetics is a subjective matter, and there is often a discrepancy between the perceptions of patients and those of medical professionals. The act of wearing a mask has been demonstrated to impair the ability to evaluate facial attractiveness, thereby reaffirming the visual importance of the oral cavity in the context of facial aesthetics. The notion that a face perceived as beautiful is inherently exceptional is a fallacy. An average face is defined as one that exhibits characteristics that are common to the group. However, cultural mutations occur at a faster rate than genetic mutations. With regard to changes in facial aesthetics, cultural differences have a more immediate effect than genetic mutations. The advent of the internet meme may herald the advent of an era in which the average face that defines a beautiful face is determined by the internet.

Key Words: Orthodontics; Mask; Genetics; Culture; Average face

Core Tip: It is important to note that orofacial esthetics are subjective and often lead to discrepancies between patients and medical professionals. During the ongoing pandemic, the increased prevalence of mask-wearing has reduced our ability to evaluate facial attractiveness. The face that many people consider beautiful is the average face with genetic characteristics common to that group. As cultural transitions occur at a faster rate than genetic variation, changes in facial attractiveness are also influenced by cultural differences. It is possible that we are entering an era in which the average face that defines what is beautiful is determined by the internet.

INTRODUCTION

The correct position of the teeth is a key factor in determining the aesthetic outcome along with laugh lines, facial muscles, facial proportions and the bridge of the nose. In the event of malocclusion or an unsatisfactory occlusion, orthodontic treatment is indicated. In the field of orthodontics, two key elements of treatment must be considered: The improvement of function and the enhancement of aesthetics. Quantification of oral morphology, such as occlusion, can be achieved through the use of appropriate landmarks, including the use of imaging, and treatment can be with medication adjustments, orthodontic appliances, and sometimes surgical therapy[1]. Malocclusion with morphological abnormalities is frequently accompanied by an inferiority complex about one's appearance. In order to achieve the desired outcome, appropriate counselling is required. However, the concept of aesthetics is inherently subjective, and there is often a discrepancy between the perceptions of patients and those of medical professionals. To provide appropriate treatment, orthodontic professionals must understand their patients' perceptions of facial aesthetics.

PERCEPTION OF FACIAL ATTRACTIVENESS

Facial attractiveness is a subjective concept that cannot be explained by objective measures. In the most absolute sense, aesthetic judgement is dependent on personal preference. A comprehensive report was published that examined the discrepancies in perceptions of dental appearance and smile aesthetics between patients, the general public, and orthodontic professionals[2]. Facial attractiveness is determined by a number of factors, including dental gaps, malocclusion, midline shift, facial asymmetry, buccal passages, and gingival exposure. Nevertheless, there was a discernible divergence in the perception of these elements between patients and orthodontic professionals. Moreover, individual patients have disparate aesthetic expectations from orthodontists. The higher the level of education, the greater the awareness of oral health status and the awareness of general health status, which in turn leads to a higher awareness of oral and facial appearance[3]. It is of the utmost importance to gain an understanding of the cultural background of the patient and to ascertain their dental and facial function and aesthetic desires prior to commencing treatment. In order to gain an understanding of the psychological and cultural background of the patient, it is essential that treatment plans are developed by a multidisciplinary team that includes not only orthodontists but also specialists who are able to comprehend the patient's psychological state[4].

THE IMPACT OF THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 PANDEMIC ON FACIAL ATTRACTIVENESS

Since the end of 2019, the global spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus has resulted in the necessity of wearing masks for the past three years. Although the pandemic has finally subsided and we are no longer forced to wear masks, the impact of mask wearing on facial aesthetics has reminded us that the oral cavity is important to our perception of facial attractiveness. Various studies have found that the habit of wearing a mask interferes with our ability to evaluate the attractiveness of faces while wearing one[5]. When only the upper half of a face is visible, bias causes unattractive faces to be perceived as attractive. The act of wearing a mask has the effect of placing a perceptual weight on the eye area when judging the attractiveness of a face, which can impede the accuracy of the evaluation. The inability to observe the mouth carries the risk of erroneous judgments regarding the overall aesthetic appeal of the face. The visibility of the oral cavity through a transparent mask was found to have a detrimental impact on the evaluation of facial attractiveness. This is attributable to the visual distortion of the lower half of the face caused by the transparent mask[6]. Through the lens of the mask-wearing era, we are reminded that healthy oral cavity and teeth are important for the recognition of facial expressions and the perception of facial attractiveness.

GENETIC AND CULTURAL INFLUENCES ON FACIAL ATTRACTIVENESS

The face that is perceived as the most aesthetically pleasing is the average face. The average face exhibits characteristics that are common to the group. The preference for averageness has been demonstrated in a multitude of studies examining both real and computer-generated faces. The element of aesthetics is based on biology; thus, the notion of a "beautiful face" is not a given but rather a construct that emerges from the perception of faces that are advantageous for survival. The average face represents the aggregate of genes that are adapted to the environment.

However, facial aesthetics are influenced by genetic factors, but are also influenced by the cultural trends of the time. Reflecting the changing times, cultural mutations affect aesthetics at a faster rate than genetic mutations. With respect to alterations in facial aesthetics, the impact of cultural divergences is more imminent than that of genetic mutations. In Europe and among the isolated hunter-gatherers of Tanzania in Africa, the concept of beauty is reflected in the average face of each ethnic group. However, the average Tanzanian face is perceived as beautiful by Europeans, yet the inverse is not true: Tanzanians do not find the average European face beautiful. European populations have had exposure to both Western and African faces, whereas the Tanzanian hunter-gatherers have no such experience. The fundamental premise of establishing an average standard of facial beauty remains consistent across ethnicities. However, the specific attributes that constitute an attractive face are not solely determined by genetics but are also influenced by environmental and cultural variations[7]. In the modern era, the dissemination of diverse facial images through online platforms, including websites, message boards, and social networking sites, may potentially lead to modifications in genetically embedded facial aesthetics. It is becoming increasingly probable that the conventional standard of beauty will be defined by the internet in the near future. Furthermore, orthodontics will have to take into account the aesthetic aspects of the face in relation to the patient's cultural background, taking into account the influence of internet memes.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the field of facial aesthetics is shaped not only by an individual's genetic predispositions but also by the cultural norms and values of the era in which they are formed. The discrepancy in perceptions of an aesthetically pleasing face between dental professionals and patients is postulated to be attributable to cultural influences rather than genetic predispositions. The specialized culture of orthodontists represents a subculture, whereas the culture of patients is broader and should be more aligned with the average. It is incumbent upon orthodontists to demonstrate sensitivity to the culturally determined aesthetic standards of the era.