Digital illustration showcasing the difference between clinical dental alignment and personal aesthetic satisfaction.

Are Your Dental Implants Up to Par? How Clinician Assessments Could Be Missing the Mark

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 5 min read.

"Dive into the world of dental aesthetics and discover why your perception of your implant might differ vastly from your dentist's viewpoint."

In the quest for a perfect smile, dental implants have become a popular solution for replacing missing teeth. Specifically, anterior implant-supported single crowns aim to restore both function and aesthetics in the most visible part of your mouth. But what happens when your idea of a successful outcome doesn't quite match your dentist's?

A recent study published in the Clinical Oral Implants Research journal sheds light on this critical question, exploring the aesthetic outcomes of anterior implant-supported single crowns as evaluated by both patients and clinicians. The findings reveal a significant divergence in perception, challenging conventional assessment methods and highlighting the importance of aligning patient expectations with clinical evaluations.

This article will unpack the key findings of this study, discuss the implications for patients considering dental implants, and provide insights into how to bridge the gap between clinical assessments and patient satisfaction.

The Aesthetic Gap: Why Your Dentist's 'Perfect' Might Not Be Yours

Digital illustration showcasing the difference between clinical dental alignment and personal aesthetic satisfaction.

The study, conducted at the National Dental Centre Singapore, involved 133 patients who received 138 implant-supported anterior crowns. Researchers compared patient satisfaction, measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaire, with clinical assessments performed by both prosthodontically-trained clinicians (PTCs) and general dentists, using the modified Pink Esthetic Score White Esthetic Score (PES WES) index.

The PES WES index is a standardized tool used by dentists to evaluate various aspects of implant aesthetics, including the color, texture, and contour of the crown, as well as the surrounding soft tissues. While this index provides a comprehensive clinical assessment, the study revealed a notable disconnect between these objective measurements and the subjective experiences of patients.

Divergent Perceptions: A significant portion of patients were generally satisfied with their implant restorations, even when the clinical assessments, according to PES WES criteria, did not meet the threshold of clinical acceptability.
Weak Correlation: The study found a weak correlation between PES WES scores and patient VAS scores, indicating that a high clinical score does not necessarily translate into high patient satisfaction.
Specialist Discrepancies: Prosthodontists, who are highly specialized in restorative dentistry, tended to be stricter assessors compared to general dentists and other specialists, highlighting the variability in aesthetic perception even among dental professionals.

In essence, while clinicians focus on technical aspects like the fit and appearance relative to standardized scores, patients prioritize their overall satisfaction, comfort, and how the implant integrates into their smile and daily life. This difference underscores the importance of a patient-centered approach in dental implant treatment.

Bridging the Gap: Towards Patient-Centered Implant Care

The key takeaway from this study is the critical need for enhanced communication and shared decision-making between dentists and patients throughout the dental implant process. Here’s how you, as a patient, can take a proactive role in ensuring your satisfaction: <ul> <li>Open Communication: Express your aesthetic goals and concerns clearly to your dentist from the outset. Don't hesitate to ask questions about the PES WES index or other assessment tools.</li> <li>Realistic Expectations: Understand that clinical perfection, as defined by standardized indices, may not always align with your personal aesthetic preferences. Discuss potential compromises and explore options that best meet your individual needs.</li> <li>Visual Aids: Utilize before-and-after photos, smile simulations, or trial restorations to visualize the potential outcome and ensure it aligns with your expectations.</li> <li>Choose a Qualified Professional: Seek out experienced implant dentists who prioritize patient satisfaction and have a keen eye for aesthetics. Don't hesitate to get a second opinion if you're unsure.</li> <li>Post-Treatment Follow-Up: Maintain regular follow-up appointments to address any concerns or adjustments needed after the implant is placed.</li></ul> By fostering a collaborative relationship with your dentist and actively participating in the treatment planning process, you can significantly increase your chances of achieving a dental implant that not only functions flawlessly but also makes you confident to smile. After all, a truly successful dental implant is one that meets both clinical standards and your personal aesthetic expectations.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1111/clr.223_13358, Alternate LINK

Title: A Retrospective Study On The Aesthetic Outcomes Of Anterior Implant-Supported Single Crowns

Subject: Oral Surgery

Journal: Clinical Oral Implants Research

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Alethea Li Yen Foong, Keson Beng Choon Tan, Khim Hean Teoh, Valerie Hwee Shinn Tey, Ken Tan

Published: 2018-10-01

Everything You Need To Know

Why might my dentist's idea of a 'perfect' dental implant not match my own perception?

The study revealed a notable disconnect between the objective measurements of dental implants, assessed using tools like the Pink Esthetic Score White Esthetic Score (PES WES) index, and the subjective experiences of patients. While clinicians focus on technical aspects such as fit and appearance relative to standardized scores, patients prioritize their overall satisfaction, comfort, and how the implant integrates into their smile and daily life. This difference underscores the importance of a patient-centered approach in dental implant treatment, suggesting that a clinically 'perfect' implant might not always equate to patient satisfaction.

What exactly is the Pink Esthetic Score White Esthetic Score (PES WES) index, and why does it matter for my dental implant?

The Pink Esthetic Score White Esthetic Score (PES WES) index is a standardized tool used by dentists to evaluate various aspects of implant aesthetics. It includes assessing the color, texture, and contour of the crown, as well as the surrounding soft tissues. While it offers a comprehensive clinical assessment, the study indicated a weak correlation between PES WES scores and patient satisfaction, suggesting that high clinical scores do not guarantee high patient satisfaction. This implies that while PES WES is valuable for clinicians, it doesn't fully capture the patient's subjective experience.

Why do prosthodontically-trained clinicians (PTCs) seem to be stricter when assessing my anterior implant-supported single crowns?

Prosthodontically-trained clinicians (PTCs), who are highly specialized in restorative dentistry, tend to be stricter assessors compared to general dentists when evaluating the aesthetics of anterior implant-supported single crowns. The study found discrepancies in aesthetic perception even among dental professionals, with prosthodontists often setting a higher bar for clinical acceptability based on the Pink Esthetic Score White Esthetic Score (PES WES) index. This highlights the variability in aesthetic perception and the importance of seeking opinions from multiple specialists if needed.

What steps can I take to make sure I'm happy with my anterior implant-supported single crowns, beyond just clinical assessments?

To ensure satisfaction with dental implants, especially anterior implant-supported single crowns, it's essential to have open communication with your dentist from the start, clearly expressing your aesthetic goals and concerns. Discuss the Pink Esthetic Score White Esthetic Score (PES WES) index, but also convey your personal preferences and expectations. Utilize visual aids like before-and-after photos to visualize the potential outcome. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to address any concerns or adjustments needed after the implant is placed, ensuring the implant meets both clinical standards and your personal aesthetic expectations.

Where was the study conducted on anterior implant-supported single crowns, and what methods did they use to assess satisfaction?

The study in *Clinical Oral Implants Research* involved 133 patients who received 138 implant-supported anterior crowns at the National Dental Centre Singapore. It specifically looked at the aesthetic outcomes of these crowns, comparing patient satisfaction, measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaire, with clinical assessments performed by both prosthodontically-trained clinicians (PTCs) and general dentists, using the modified Pink Esthetic Score White Esthetic Score (PES WES) index. The research revealed a significant divergence in perception between patients and clinicians regarding the success of the implants.