Effect of Gender and Facial Profiles on Gingival Display at Smile

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of gender and facial profile on gingival display during smiling among patients presenting to the Dental Outpatient Department (OPD).

Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Institute of Dentistry, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro, over six months. A total of 188 participants aged 18–53 years with intact maxillary anterior teeth and healthy periodontal tissues were enrolled through consecutive sampling. Gingival display was assessed using standardized photogrammetric analysis from frontal photographs captured during maximum smile, while lateral photographs were used to classify facial profiles as straight, convex, or concave. Gingival display was categorized as ideal (1 mm), acceptable (2–3 mm), or excessive (>3 mm). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Associations were assessed using the Chi-square test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean age of participants was 32.18±7.31 years, with females comprising 54.8% of the sample. Gingival display during smiling was observed in 96.8% of participants and was more frequent in females than males, although the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.057). A significant association was found between facial profile and gingival display (p=0.049). Acceptable gingival display was the predominant pattern in both males (41.0%) and females (50.5%) without a significant gender difference (p=0.143). Excessive gingival display occurred almost exclusively among participants with a convex facial profile, demonstrating a significant association with facial profile (p=0.025).

Conclusion: Gingival display within the aesthetically acceptable range was highly prevalent. Facial profile was significantly associated with gingival display patterns, whereas gender showed no significant influence. Convex facial profiles demonstrated a greater tendency toward excessive gingival display.