Gingival Zenith - A Critical Factor in Smile Design and Fixed Prosthodontics
Gingival Zenith – A Critical Factor in Smile Design and Fixed Prosthodontics
Keywords:
Gingival zenith, crown margin, smile design, esthetics, contourAbstract
Background & objectives: Knowledge of the gingival zenith (GZ) of the maxillary anterior teeth can be clinically applied to re-establish the proper gingival contour of the maxillary anterior teeth during esthetic anterior oral rehabilitation and smile designing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate gingival zenith (GZ) of each individual maxillary anterior tooth and their relative gingival zenith level. Method: A digital caliper was used to measure the gingival zenith of the maxillary anterior teeth from left canine to right canine on casts made from 30 young individuals without any dental deformity. The highest point on gingival margin of all maxillary anterior teeth was marked. Distance of this gingival zenith from the respective vertical bisector of each tooth was calculated. Also, the digital caliper was used to measure the distance of gingival zenith of the lateral incisors from a line connecting gingival zenith of maxillary central incisor and canine. Results: Significant difference exists between the gingival zenith of maxillary central incisors, lateral incisors and canines. Conclusion: Gingival zenith of maxillary incisors is distally placed whereas for canine it coincides with vertical bisector. Gingival zenith of lateral incisor is incisal to that of central incisor and canine. [Hitendra S NJIRM 2016; 7(4): 113-116]
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