Prevalence of gummy smile in a sample of Egyptian population and laymen perception of its attractiveness

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Department of Orthodontics, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

Aim of the study: this study aims at evaluating the prevalence of gummy smile in a sample of Egyptian population and the perception of Laymen of the attractiveness of that smile. Materials and methods: 346 volunteer students were randomly selected of age range 17-25 years. They were asked to smile in a posed fashion and the amount of gingival display, if any, was measured. Standardized digital photographs were taken for the students who had gummy smile and then they were shown to a panel of 100 laymen. The laymen judged the attractiveness of the smile on a visual analogue scale. Results: 11.8% of the sample had gummy smile with a mean of 1.0mm, 68.3% of them were females. 24.4% of the gummy smiles were judged as attractive and 63% of the judges considered them as attractive. Conclusion: gummy smile is not prevalent among Egyptians and contrary to a previous belief is perceived as attractive among laymen. Orthodontists must modify their treatment plans to better serve trending beauty demands.

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