Abstract
In dentistry, the assessment of periodontal biotype is considered one of the most important parameters with which to plan treatment, and craniofacial morphology might affect it. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between facial typology and gingival biotype in patients by means of two-dimensional and three-dimensional evaluations of facial typology. This study included 121 participants searching for orthodontic treatment (43 M, 78 F; 20.4 ± 10.4). Gingival biotype was evaluated based on the transparency of the periodontal probe through the gingival margin of the mid-buccal sulcus for both upper (UGB) and lower (LGB) anterior teeth. SellionNasion^GonionGnation (SN^GoGn) and CondylionGonionMenton (CoGoMe^) angles were measured on two-dimensional cephalograms. Three-dimensional face scans were acquired by means of a three-dimensional facial scanner (3dMD system) and successively analyzed to assess the facial typology using the ratio between lower facial height (SNMe) and total facial height (NMe). A chi-squared test and regression analysis were used to evaluate the associations between gingival biotype and facial morphology (p < 0.05). The chi-squared test showed that there was no statistically significant association between facial typology and gingival biotype (UGB p = 0.83; LGB p = 0.75). The logistic regression showed an association between SNMe/NMe and the UGB (p = 0.036), and SNMe/NMe and LGB (p = 0.049). The decreased ratio of SNMe/NMe might be a protective factor for a thin gingival biotype.
Highlights
Gingivitis develops more frequently in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment mainly due to an inflammatory reaction following the accumulation of bacterial plaque [1,2,3].Many authors have shown that gingival recessions can develop during or after orthodontic treatment [4,5]
Including only patients seeking orthodontic treatment, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between gingival biotype and facial typology evaluated by means of a cephalometric and 3D facial analysis
The total sample consisted of 121 pre-orthodontic patients, comprising 43 males and 78 females which a median age of 17.04 (IQR = 13.7–22.1)
Summary
Many authors have shown that gingival recessions can develop during or after orthodontic treatment [4,5]. A recent systematic review has established that the direction of dental movements and the buccal-lingual thickness of the gingiva can play an important role in altering soft tissues during orthodontic treatment. There is a high probability of recession during tooth movement in areas with less than 2 mm of gingival thickness [7]. This could affect the integrity of periodontal tissues and represent a risk factor when orthodontic treatments [8], implants [9], and restorative treatments are performed [10]. Studies have reported that gingival biotype is an important parameter that must be evaluated to reduce the risk of gingival recession [11]
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