Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – or is it?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but is this true from the perspective of aesthetic dentistry? Jeremy Cooper investigates.

The term aesthetic is defined as ‘concerned with beauty, or the appreciation of beauty’. But the key issue that is not addressed within the definition, is from whose perspective this is. Is aesthetic success defined from the artist, or the observer?

This article is intended to focus on this issue, one that is commonly overlooked by dentists. To appreciate the complex thought patterns associated with this subject it’s important to step outside the box and think laterally.

The phrase ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’ is relevant in the field of aesthetics (Adams, 2017). We all view colour differently. Although as dentists we may have an obsession in getting the colour right, our patients might not be that concerned.

Communication is important. Even if the patient is initially satisfied, it is either when they view our handiwork in different lighting, or that others comment on their teeth that they can return to the practice disgruntled. Use of temporary cements might be advantageous. That temptation to cement a crown when it does not quite look right, regardless of what the patient tells you – should be avoided. Remakes are a costly business, and certainly can lead to ill feeling or disputes over who pays for such occurrences.

The science of colour

The science of colour or ‘colourimetry’ means we now look at value (lightness), hue (colour and shade of a colour), and chroma (colour purity). However, an artist will deal with these issues subliminally. For example, when performing a composite restoration, the dentist will perform the restoration without thinking about the science of…