The Effect of the Mamelon Effect on the Perception of Smile Esthetics

NCT07379671 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: BK_MarmaraU
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 135
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aimed to evaluate the role of the mamelon effect on the perception of smile esthetics. A single portrait image was digitally modified by using the Photoshop CC (Adobe, USA) software program to create the mamelon effects at the incisal edge of maxillary incisors. Length (cervico-incisal) and value (level of gray color) were the variables in the modified images. There were two length (1mm and 3mm) and two value (low value, LV and high value, HV) modifications performed for the central incisors (2 teeth) and for the central and lateral incisors together (4 teeth). Eight full-face and 8 close-up images were created by cropping the modified images. In total 18 images (including the original ones) were evaluated by the participants. 135 participants (45 dentists, 45 specialists, and 45 laypeople) contributed to an online survey to evaluate the digitally modified images by using a visual analog scale ranging from 0 - 100, according to their level of attractiveness. The data were analyzed using Bonferroni Pairwise Comparisons. The results were presented as average±standard deviation. The deemed significance was set at \<.050.

Conditions

Perception; Restorative Experiences; Esthetic Restorations

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Perception of smile esthetics with different incisal mamelon configurations

  Participants were asked to evaluate the esthetic attractiveness of digitally modified smile images presenting different incisal mamelon configurations. Evaluations were performed using a visual analog scale (VAS) ranging from 0 (extremely unattractive) to 100 (extremely attractive). The influence of mamelon length (1 mm vs 3 mm), mamelon value (low vs high), and the number of teeth involved (2 incisors vs 4 incisors) on esthetic perception was assessed.

  Approximately 10-15 minutes

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Effect of image type on esthetic perception

  Approximately 10-15 minutes

• Effect of observer group on esthetic perception

  Approximately 10-15 minutes

• Effect of observer gender on esthetic perception

  Approximately 10-15 minutes

• Interaction between mamelon length and value on esthetic perception

  Approximately 10-15 minutes

Study Arms (3)

Group/Cohort 1: Laypeople

Laypersons with no formal dental education who participated in the online survey to evaluate digitally modified smile images. Participants assessed the esthetic attractiveness of full-face and close-up smile photographs using a visual analog scale (VAS).

Other: Online Survey

Group/Cohort 2: Dentists

General dentists who participated in the online survey and evaluated digitally modified smile images. Participants assessed the esthetic perception of different incisal mamelon configurations using a visual analog scale (VAS).

Other: Online Survey

Group/Cohort 3: Dental Specialists

Dental specialists in Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics who participated in the online survey. Participants evaluated digitally modified smile images with varying mamelon characteristics using a visual analog scale (VAS).

Other: Online Survey

Interventions

Online Survey OTHER

An anonymous web-based survey was used to assess the perception of smile esthetics. Participants evaluated a total of 18 images (including original and digitally modified full-face and close-up images) using a visual analog scale ranging from 0 (extremely unattractive) to 100 (extremely attractive).

Group/Cohort 1: Laypeople; Group/Cohort 2: Dentists; Group/Cohort 3: Dental Specialists

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 70 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

A total of 135 adult participants were included in the study. The study population comprised equal numbers of laypersons, licensed dentists, and dental specialists in Restorative Dentistry or Prosthodontics (n = 45 per group).

You may qualify if:

• Age ≥18 years
• Ability to understand the study information and provide informed consent
• Participation on a voluntary basis
• Completion of the online survey only once
• Belonging to one of the following observer groups:
• Laypersons with no dental education
• Licensed dentists
• Dental specialists in Restorative Dentistry or Prosthodontics

You may not qualify if:

• Age \<18 years
• Inability to understand the study information or provide informed consent
• Incomplete survey response
• Multiple survey submissions by the same participant
• Participation outside the predefined observer groups
• People with mental illness

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Marmara University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Marmara University

Istanbul, Maltepe, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Officials

• Bora Korkut, Assoc. Prof. Dr.

  Marmara University

  STUDY DIRECTOR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 13, 2026
• First Posted: January 30, 2026
• Study Start: September 10, 2024
• Primary Completion: October 10, 2024
• Study Completion: December 20, 2024
• Last Updated: January 30, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Shared Documents: STUDY PROTOCOL

Locations

TU (1)