Evaluation and correlation of extraoral and intraoral attributes on smile esthetics. A gender-based study

The harmonious existence of the extraoral and intraoral attributes are critical and capable of enhancing smile esthetics. Therefore, the present study was planned as a gender-based evaluation and correlation of interpupillary width (IPW) and intercommisural width (ICOW) with the combined width of the maxillary central incisors and anterior teeth and gingival thickness (GT) in periodontally healthy patients.

A total of 120 patients within an age range of 20 to 40 years were divided equally into two groups based on gender. The extraoral parameters were recorded on digitized photographs, the intraoral parameters on a stone cast with dental floss and a digital caliper, and the GT clinically.

The mean values of IPW and GT in males and females were 63.95 ± 4.40 mm and 60.55 ± 2.43 mm, and 2.14 ± 0.37 mm and 1.07 ± 0.21 mm, respectively. Similarly, the mean combined width of the maxillary central incisors and anterior teeth in males and females differed significantly, being 18.69 ± 1.16 mm and 17.86 ± 1.09 mm, and 55.70 ± 3.14 mm and 51.46 ± 2.18 mm, respectively.

Although the correlations between the parameters in the present study were found to be weak and positive, they can be accepted as preliminary findings that may require further exploration. The gender variability of the extraoral and intraoral parameters such as IPW, GT, combined width of the maxillary anterior teeth (CMA), and combined width of the maxillary central incisors (CMI) provide valuable guidelines that can be implemented in restorative procedures in the maxillary anterior sextant.