Perception of Smile Attractiveness in Excessive Gingival Display: A Cross-Generational Observational Study

Abstract

Background: This research investigates the attractiveness ratings associated with varying degrees of gingival exposure and teeth coverage in relation to EGD. The study aims to contribute to a better understanding of how these factors influence perceived facial attractiveness. Methodology: female volunteer smile photo edited to generate different smiles with different levels of gingival exposure/ teeth coverage at 1, 3, 5 mm gingival exposure/teeth coverage that was displayed to participants of different age groups to rate level of attractiveness. Results: An analysis of the two age groups (< 40 and > 40) revealed subtle differences in mean attractiveness ratings, with slightly higher ratings from the older age group (group 2) for 5mm of gingival exposure. However, the mixed ANOVA test indicated no significant age-related difference. Additionally, no significant gender-based differences were observed in attractiveness ratings across different levels of gingival exposure and teeth coverage. Mean attractiveness ratings for different conditions. Notably, the lowest mean value (4.604), (SD=2.2522) was observed for 5mm of gingival exposure above the teeth (Exposure 5), while the highest mean attractiveness rating (8.204), (SD=1.4822) was attributed to 1mm of teeth coverage (Coverage 1). Conclusion: This research paper provides a detailed analysis of attractiveness ratings concerning gingival exposure and teeth coverage and concluded that age factor has no significance in the perception of smile attractiveness in EGD. However, 5 mm of gingival exposure was perceived as less attractive by participants from all groups.