This study evaluated and compared esthetic lip position preferences between orthodontists and laypeople across straight, retrognathic, and prognathic Caucasian facial profiles. Digitally altered male and female profile images were rated for attractiveness by 50 orthodontists and 100 lay participants using a visual analog scale. Results showed no significant differences between orthodontists and laypeople in preferred lip positions. Straight profiles were rated most attractive overall, with lip retrusion favored in retrognathic profiles and lip protrusion preferred in prognathic profiles. Minimal lip retrusion was more acceptable in male profiles. Both groups demonstrated tolerance for moderate lip-position changes and showed high rating reliability.
