Impact of Facial Pattern and Smile Arc on the Perception of Male Facial Attractiveness.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate how variations in smile arc and facial pattern influence the perception of male facial attractiveness.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Nine standardized frontal photographs of a male model were digitally modified to generate three smile arc configurations (consonant, straight, and inverted) and three facial patterns (brachyfacial, mesofacial, and dolichofacial). A total of 134 evaluators (67 laypersons and 67 orthodontists) rated the images using a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using cumulative link mixed models (CLMM), incorporating evaluator category, sex, smile arc type, and facial pattern as fixed effects, with evaluator ID as a random intercept.

RESULTS

The consonant smile arc consistently received the highest attractiveness scores, whereas the inverted smile produced the most pronounced negative impact. The mesofacial pattern was rated more favorably than the brachyfacial pattern. A significant interaction was observed between smile arc, facial pattern, and presentation format, indicating that evaluators' perceptions were modulated by the combined esthetic cues.

CONCLUSION

Smile arc morphology and facial pattern exert meaningful influence on perceived facial attractiveness. The inverted smile arc was associated with the lowest aesthetic ratings, while the mesofacial pattern achieved the most favorable evaluations. The interaction between these variables highlights the importance of integrating both facial pattern and smile arc characteristics when planning aesthetic interventions.