Evaluation of Upper lip length in vertical growth pattern individuals with and without gummy smile

The most esthetic smile is when the entire length of the crown of the tooth and 2 mm of the gums are visable. Most of it is not aesthetically pleasing and is called gummy smile or gingival smile.Upper lip length is one of the factors influencing the gummy smile. The aim of the present study was to investigate the upper lip length in patients with vertical growth pattern, with and without gummy smile and related factors.

This cross-sectional study was performed on 180 patients referred to the dental clinic of Tehran Dental Branch of Islamic Azad University. Patients were randomly divided into three groups vertical growth pattern (VGP), Average growth pattern (AGP) and gummy smile. The length of the upper lip in all three groups was measured and compared by the caliper. T test, ANOVA and Tukey tests were used to compare the data.

In both sexes (men and women), the mean upper lip length was significantly higher in patients with vertical growth pattern without gummy smile than patients with normal growth pattern (P<0.001) and in patients with vertical growth pattern with gummy smile (P<0.001). In people with a normal growth pattern (P<0.001) and in people with a vertical growth pattern with gummy smile (P = 0.004), the mean length of the upper lip in men was significantly higher than in women. However, in people with a normal growth pattern without gummy smile, the mean length of the upper lip in men was not significantly different from that in women (P = 0.139).

Gender  vertical growth pattern, and gender interaction with vertical growth pattern  affect the upper lip length. The pattern of vertical growth affects the parameters of the smile in people with gummy smile.