A Cross-Sectional Study of the Influence of Tooth Color Elements on Satisfaction with Smile Esthetics

Purpose: This study investigated the influence of tooth color on patients' satisfaction with the esthetics of their smiles. Materials and Methods: A shade guide was used to determine the color of the maxillary anterior teeth in 671 participants. Self-reported satisfaction was assessed through five criteria: tooth appearance, color, shape, and position and appearance of the gingiva. The Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire and an Oral Impact on Daily Performances questionnaire were also used. Results: The predictors of higher patient satisfaction were lower chroma, higher lightness, and uniform color of all maxillary anterior teeth. These are significant but weak predictors of satisfaction with smile esthetics. Conclusion: Color has a low level of influence on satisfaction with a smile's esthetics.