The influence of maxillary gingival exposure on dental attractiveness ratings

This study examined the influence of maxillary gingival display on the attractiveness ratings awarded by lay people. One hundred and twenty university students (94 females, 26 males) were shown seven photographs of a male and seven photographs of a female subject, each with varying levels of gingival display ranging from -2 to +4 mm. Attractiveness ratings were recorded on a 10-point numerical scale for each of the photographs. The photographs where the full height of the incisors were revealed and no gingival tissue was visible (0 mm of gingiva) were rated as the most attractive. Gingival display of more than 2 mm was rated as progressively less attractive. Linear regression analysis revealed that those students who had received orthodontic treatment rated the photographs representing the female student as more attractive than those representing the male (P < 0.05).