Objective: Compare the perception of the smile esthetics between the dentists and laypersons. Materials and methods: A digital image editing software altered smile characteristics (dental midline deviation, occlusal cant, gingival display and maxillary incisal display) in a photographof an female smile. The photos were arranged in a software, an interactive interface allowed raters to select the ideal for each smile characteristic presented and identify the range of acceptability for the varjables. 100 dentists and 100 laypersons participated in this survey. Results: The most attractive smile judged by dentists was the one where the upper lip rests on the gingival margin of the upper incisor or covers the upper incisor 0.5mm, while the laypersons considered 1-1.5mm upper lip incisor coverage as the most esthetics. Both groups accepted 1.5mm gingival exposure and 2-3.5mm upper lip incisor coverage. Dentist accepted lmm midline deviation, while laypersons accepted 2.5mm. 2.50 occlusal cant was accepted by dentists, while 3.50 cant was accepted by laypersons. Conclusion: Dentists were more critical than laypersons when evaluating the smile characteristics, therefore, patients'expectations should be considered in treatment planning and making recommendations.