SURVEY OF THE GINGIVAL ZENITH POSITION AND PAPILLA PROPORTION IN THE MAXILLARY ANTERIOR DENTITION

Abstract

Background: Gingival morphology and contour play an essential role in creating a beautiful smile. Understanding and establishing these characteristics are prerequisites during treatment planning for maxillary anterior dentition. The aim of study was to evalute the position of gingival zeniths and to quantify papilla proportion in relation to clinical crown length in maxillary anterior region. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 123 students from faculty of Odonto-Stomatology. For each student, maxillary alginate impression was taken and a diagnostic cast was poured with dental stone. The gingival zenith postions (GZP) of six anterior teeth were marked on dental casts. Using a digital vernier caliper to measure these parameters: the distance from GZP to vertical bisected midline of these teeth, the distance from GZP of maxillary lateral incisor to the gingival line, mesial and distal papilla proportion of each maxillary anterior tooth. Results: Central incisors, lateral incisors and canines showed distal displacement from VBM with a mean average of 0.96 mm, 0.46 mm and 0.26 mm respectively. The GZs of maxillary lateral incisors were more coronal to the gingival lines by approximately 0.77 mm. Mean mesial and distal papilla proportion for maxillary anterior dentition were 43.37% and 44.42% respectively. Conclusions: All maxillary anterior teeth showed distal displacement of GZPs from the VBM. The GZPs of maxillary lateral incisors were more coronal to the gingival lines. Papilla proportions were approximately 43,9% for all tooth groups. Key words: Gingival zenith, vertical bisected midline, papilla height, papilla proportion