Gingival Biotype Assessment in Association with Age, Gender and Dental Arch Location using a Novel Approach

Abstract

To assess the gingival biotypes in a sample of periodontally healthy volunteers and to correlate their prevalence in accordance with age, gender and dental arch location using Hu-friedy Colorvue® Biotype probe. A total of ninety subjects with age groups of 16-34 years (22 males, 23 females) and 35-54 years (23 males, 22 females) were selected for this study. Gingival biotype was assessed in maxillary and mandibular anteriors and was differentiated into thin, medium, thick and very thick biotype using Colorvue® Biotype probe. Collected data was statistically analyzed using chi-square test. The association of age, gender and gingival biotype was not significant in relation to 31,32,33,41,42 and 43 but significant in relation to 11,12,13,21,22 and 23. Study showed that thick biotype decreased with advancing age. Medium and thicker gingival biotype were more prevalent in males. On dental arch comparison, the gingiva was found to be thicker in the maxillary arch as compared to mandibular arch. It was concluded that gingival thickness varies according to age, gender and dental arch. Colorvue® biotype probe was found to be an excellent tool for assessing gingival biotype in the most atraumatic and efficient way and thus aiding in selection of proper treatment protocol. Key Messages: Since gingival biotype is gaining considerable attention as one of the key elements influencing aesthetic treatment outcome, assessment of gingival biotype is of paramount relevance. The Hu-friedy Colorvue® Biotype probe proves to be an excellent tool for assessing gingival biotype in the most atraumatic and efficient way. Keywords: Gingival biotype, Colorvue biotype probe, Dental arch location