Assessment of Gingival Biotype and Keratinized Gingival Width of Maxillary Anterior Region in Individuals with Different Types of Malocclusion

Abstract

Objective: To explore the association of gingival thickness and width of keratinized gingiva and amount of crowding in adult population.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the department of Orthodontics at Nishtar Institute of Dentistry, Multan from May 2021 to February 2022.

Materials and Methods: For the abovementioned purpose we enrolled 80 subjects with good gingival condition. Then each individual was examined clinically and the findings were recorded. We divided the selected participants into three main groups according to the Angle classification of crowding in Class I, II, and III, and then each group in relation to the expanse of irregularity in their dentition was divided into mild, moderate, and severe. A clinical examination was performed in all subjects, WKG was measured in vertical direction as the distance between mucogingival junction and free gingival margin, and on the other hand either gingival biotype was thick or thin was assessed by trans-gingival probing technique.

Results: Gender distribution of our study cases male 22 (27.5%) and 58 (72.5%) were female with age ranged between 12-25 years. Thin gingival biotype was observed in upper canines. For tooth numbers 13 and 23 the width of keratinized gingiva was also narrower in the severe crowding group. However, there was no significant relationship (p>0.05).

Conclusion: This cross-sectional study results failed to demonstrate significant correlation between keratinized gingival width and the gingival thickness in the anterior region of upper arch and malocclusion.