Evaluation of the effect of gingival margin and incisal edge locations of maxillary anterior teeth on the perception of smile esthetics

PurposeIt is important to be aware of patients' esthetic needs to create an attractive smile, because their aesthetic perception might differ from that of clinicians. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of the vertical position of maxillary central incisors and the mesiodistal position of the gingival zenith of maxillary incisors on the esthetic perception of the smile.Materials and methodsA close-up, frontal view photograph of a smiling young adult Iranian woman was selected for the present study. The photos were randomly placed in an album and shown to 75 referees who assessed the attractiveness of the photos using VAS. The data were analysed with one-way ANOVA and post hoc LSD tests.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the smile esthetic scores of VP photos given by the laypersons. The laypersons gave the least VAS smile esthetic scores to the photo in which the incisal edges of the central and lateral incisors were at the same level. The specialists gave the highest smile esthetic scores to the GZ photo in which the gingival zeniths of central incisors were 1 mm distal to the vertical axis and the gingival zenith of lateral incisors on the central vertical axis.ConclusionLaypersons were less sensitive than dental specialists in evaluating the esthetic smile of VP photos. However, in evaluating the smile attractiveness of GZ photos, restorative dentistry specialists exhibited more critical opinions than orthodontists and laypersons.