Year : 2023

Volume : Volume 14

Issue : Issue 3

Address for correspondence :
S. S. Mistry
salonimistry@ymail.com

Abstract

 Context: The eye is the key to understand where our attention lies. Mapping of eye movements gives a new dimension to understanding 
our cognition. Eye tracking can thus serve as a novel tool in the evolving world of prosthodontics. Aims: The aims of this study were to 
evaluate difference in perception of shade mismatch and dental asymmetry in lay-persons and prosthodontists using eye-tracking software. 
Settings and Design: The study design was a descriptive cross-sectional type of study. Eye tracking test was performed on two groups: 
Group 1 being lay persons and group 2 being prosthodontists. A series of five edited images depicting grades of shade mismatch, dental 
midline asymmetry along with a control image were displayed for 12 s each with separators. Materials and Methods: A standard image of 
the smile of a young patient was captured by a high-definition DSLR camera and edited by an image processing software. Eye tracking device 
used was Web cam-based eye tracking. The eye tracking test was performed and the data collected were subjected to statistical analysis. 
Statistical Analysis: Intergroup comparison was done using t-test. Intergroup comparison was done using one-way ANOVA followed by 
pair-wise comparison using post hoc test. Results: The abnormality best detected was midline shift by 1 mm by prosthodontists (group 2). 
The least detected abnormality was shade mismatch of 1°C higher chroma by Lay–persons (group 1). Conclusions: Prosthodontist (group 2) 
was able to detect dental midline asymmetry and shade mismatch faster than lay-men (group 1). Inconspicuous abnormalities in shade 
mismatch and slight midline asymmetry are easily caught by the trained prosthodontic eye; however, highly unesthetic restorations, obvious 
asymmetries are more easily perceptible to a lay-man