Evaluation of skeletal and dentoalveolar components in Syrian females with a gummy smile

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the dentoalveolar and skeletal components contributing to a gummy smile (G.S.) in Syrian females. Materials and Methods: The G.S. group included 20 Syrian females, with an average age of 21.9 ± 3.9 years and a clinically diagnosed G.S. The control group included 20 Syrian females, with an average age of 22.05 ± 2.87 years and an acceptable smile. All subjects had Class I molar and canine relationships. Lateral cephalometric radiographs of all subjects were taken under similar conditions. Total cephalometric parameters measured included 11 angular measurements, 12 linear measurements and 7 ratios between the linear measurements. Results: Statistically significant increases in the total anterior facial height, lower anterior facial height, dentoalveolar heights and facial diversion angles were observed in the G.S. group as opposed to the control group. Conclusion: There was an obvious role played by the skeletal and dentoalveolar components in occurrence of a G.S. in Syrian females and these must be considered during orthodontic treatment planning.