A study to evaluate age and gender as determinants of papillary proportions in the esthetic region

Aim An interdisciplinary team approach to multidisciplinary therapies in esthetic restorative treatment has become common  in the dental profession. The existence of interdental papillae and healthy gingiva harmonizing with the natural dentition is one of the important esthetic aspects that need to be considered for dental treatment and diagnosis. The purpose of this study is to quantify the interdental papilla location mathematically as a percentage ratio of clinical crown length for males and females in different age groups and establish a useful parameter for treatment.

Materials and Methods Papilla heights of maxillary anterior teeth were evaluated on dental casts of 40 volunteers using digital vernier calipers. Crown height and width were measured and gingival zenith was used as the reference points. Papilla proportions were calculated for males and females in age groups 20-35 years and 36-50 years.

Result The mesial papilla proportion for canine, lateral incisor and central incisor were 42.6%, 39.8% and 39.7% respectively. The distal papilla proportion for canine, lateral incisor and central incisor were 47.5%, 39.6% and 38.6% respectively. The papilla proportions were found to be higher in males and in individuals in age group of 36-50 years.

Conclusion Gender variations exist in papilla proportions with the values being higher for males. Age appears to have an influence on papilla proportion.