Aesthetic Perception about Gingival Display on Maxillary Incisor Inclination among Saudi Dentists, Orthodontist and Lay Persons

Abstract

Introduction: Aesthetic perception varies from one individual to another and is determined by social and environmental factors as well as by personal experience. Dental aesthetics affects one’s quality of life and self esteem. Aim: A study was conducted to assess the aesthetic perceptions of dentists, orthodontist and lay persons in Saudi Arabia, regarding the effect of gingival display on the incisor inclination. Materials and Methods: An observational, cross-sectional questionnaire based study was conducted among dentists, orthodontists and lay persons in Saudi Arabia. A total of 90 subjects were taken in the study. A close-ended questionnaire was used that contained pictures altered at different gingival levels in three planes. They had to choose one option regarding their perception about incisor inclination at different gingival levels in all three planes. Descriptive statistics and Pearson chi-square test was used for analysing the data. The level of significance for all tests was set at p≤0.05. Results: Statistically significant differences were found among the groups, with orthodontists being more critical when assessing the smile at different inclinations and gingival levels. Two-way cross tabulation showed, regardless of actual upper incisor inclination (normal/proclined/retroclined), as the gingival display increased the upper incisor were perceived more proclined by dentists and lay person but not by orthodontists. Pearson chisquare test showed this association to be statistically significant (p<0.05), for the total groups. Conclusion: Regardless of actual upper incisor inclination (normal/proclined/retroclined) as the gingival display increased the upper incisors were perceived more proclined by dentists and lay person but not by orthodontists.

Keywords

• gingiva
• orthodontia
• smile