The influence of gingival exposure on smile attractiveness

Abstract

Objective:
To evaluate the influence of gingival exposure on smile attractiveness.
Methods: Photograph of one male and female volunteer with gummy smile, ideal occlusion and no dental anomalies were taken and manipulated on the computer with different gingival exposure levels ranging from +4mm to -4mm. The photographs were then printed and numbered 1-10 [Male=1-5 and Female=6-10] with the relevant gingival exposure 1= +4 mm, 2= +2 mm, 3= 0 mm, 4= -2 mm, 5= -4 mm, 6= +4 mm, 7= +2 mm, 8= 0 mm, 9= -2 mm and 10= -4 mm. Assessment was independently done on each picture using 5point attractiveness scale scored as very attractive, attractive, neither attractive nor unattractive, unattractive, very unattractive.
Results: The highest mean attractiveness was reported on +4mm and +2mm gingival exposure for the male picture while +2mm and +4mm gingival exposure for the female picture.  The mean attractiveness for picture 1 was significantly higher in younger than older participants (4.95±0.02 versus 4.81±0.02). The mean attractiveness for picture 4 was significantly higher in dental professionals than laypersons (3.96±0.08 versus 3.09±0.06). The mean attractiveness for picture 5 was significantly higher in younger than older participants (2.04±0.06 versus 1.53±0.04) and also in laypersons than dental professionals (1.79±0.04 versus 1.34±0.05). The mean attractiveness for picture 6 was significantly higher in younger than older participants (3.18±0.09 versus 2.83±0.07), males than females (3.10±0.08 versus 2.84±0.08) and also in lay persons than dental professionals (3.16±0.06 versus 2.01±0.10). The mean attractiveness for picture 7 was significantly lower in younger than older participants (2.90±0.07 versus 3.09±0.05). The mean attractiveness for picture8 was significantly higher in younger than older participants (2.03±0.05 versus 1.85±0.04) and also in laypersons than dental professionals (1.68±0.06 versus 1.96±0.03). The mean attractiveness for picture 9 was significantly lower in younger than older participants (1.39±0.05 versus 1.54±0.03). The mean attractiveness for picture 10 was significantly higher in dental professionals than laypersons (1.36±0.06 versus 1.23±0.02).
Conclusion: Smile attractiveness influenced by the gingival exposure had major variations between younger and older participants, moderate variation between dental professionals and laypersons have similar opinions regarding the gingival exposure between gender.