An evaluation of smiles before and after orthodontic treatment.

The purpose of this investigation was threefold: 1) Determine if a person's smile improves with orthodontic treatment, 2) Determine if the amount of improvement varies among clinicians, and 3) Determine reasons for the variances. Results of this investigation were: 1) In all four categories of evaluation there was a definite improvement in the average scores from the pretreatment to the posttreatment evaluation. 2) The amount of improvement varied from orthodontist to orthodontist. 3) Some patients did not show improvement in one or more of the areas evaluated. 4) A profile photograph is not a reliable source of information to determine what a smile will look like. 5) To maximize the potential for improving a patient's smile, we must consider moving maxillary anterior teeth vertically.