Influence of Gingival Display on Smile Esthetics

The objective of the present study is to assess which level of gingival exposure is considered more esthetic and to compare the differences in opinion among orthodontists, dentists and laypersons in relation to the gingival exposure for the smile esthetics. One photograph presenting well aligned teeth and a pleasing smile was selected for the study. By considering the patient's original photographs as ideal, manipulations were done with the Photoshop software by decreasing 4mm of gingival display, 2mm of gingival display and also increasing 4 mm and 2mm of gingival display. Chi square test was performed to find out whether any statistical significance among the three groups (Dentists, Orthodontists, Lay persons) was present. The results show that 2mm decrease of gingival display was considered as more aesthetic by all the three groups.