Clinical assessment of the gingival contours and proximal contact areas in the maxillary anterior dentition.

Gingival display has been identified as a critical element in a beautiful smile and thus in facial esthetics. The present study aimed to assess the gingival line angle (GLA); the distance between the gingival zenith of maxillary lateral incisor and the gingival line (LID); and the ratio between the height of the proximal contact area (PCA) and crown length, referred to as the proximal contact area proportion (PCAP). Fifty patients, aged 21-30 years, were recruited for study. Maxillary impressions were made using irreversible hydrocolloid and poured in dental stone, and facebow records were used to mount the master casts in an articulator. Standardized photographs of maxillary casts were taken, and image-processing software was used to assess GLA, LID, PCA, and PCAP. Data analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between bilateral measurements of GLA (r = 0.93; P < 0.001). The mean PCA dimensions decreased from mesial to distal sites in the maxillary dentition bilaterally. A paired t test exhibited a significant correlation between the parameters GLA and PCA and showed that an increase in GLA led to an increase in PCA. The gingival zenith of the canine was apical to that of the incisors (GLA less than 90 degrees). The results of the present study may be utilized in conjunction with clinical goals and subjective parameters to help the restorative dentist obtain a more predictable esthetic outcome.