Linking facial typology to dental morphology and gingival characteristics: A cross-sectional study

Background Contemporary orthodontic planning increasingly recognizes the importance of periodontal soft-tissue morphology. Thin gingiva is more susceptible to recession and may limit safe tooth movement. The evidence regarding the relationship between facial and gingival morphology is inconsistent. The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations between facial typology, gingival and dental characteristics in periodontally healthy young adults. Methodology Facial measurements included facial height (N-Me), facial width (Zy-Zy) and facial index (FI = N-Me/Zy-Zy). Periodontal examination included the determination of gingival phenotype (GP) by periodontal probe visibility method, measurement of the width of attached gingiva (AG) and ultrasonic measurement of gingival thickness (GT). Additionally, crown width (CW) and clinical crown height (CCH) were measured. Results Sixty-one patients (aged 21–30), 43 females and 18 males participated. CW of maxillary and mandibular central incisors demonstrated significant positive correlations with Zy–Zy. GT at teeth 22 and 42 correlated positively with Zy–Zy, while GT at teeth 31 and 32 correlated negatively with FI. A significant positive association was observed between AG at multiple teeth and N–Me. Male sex emerged as an independent predictor of GT at 22 and 42 and AG at 11, 42, 41, 31 and 32, while increasing FI was associated with reduced GT at 31 and 32. Conclusions Individuals with broader faces seem to present wider central incisors and thicker gingival tissues. Subject with greater facial height may present wider zone of attached gingiva at incisors. In males, gingiva may be thicker and of a wider band of attached tissues.