Esthetic perception of black spaces between maxillary central incisors by different age groups.

Introduction: The aim of this research was to evaluate esthetic perceptions of the smile, especially regarding black spaces between the maxillary central incisors, by laypersons in 3 age groups.

Methods: Photographs were digitally manipulated to simulate black spaces in the region of the maxillary central incisor crenations. The images were printed on photographic paper and attached to a questionnaire that was given to 150 laypersons in 3 age groups: 15 to 19, 35 to 44, and 65 to74 years.