Evaluation of the effect of changing gi̇ngi̇val properties on the perception of smile aesthetics in periodontologists, dentists, dental students and layer people

Aim: Our study mainly aims to evaluate the perception of smile esthetics for four gingival changes among periodontists, dentists, dental students and lay people through a questionnaire using Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Material and Method: In our study, smile photographs of a determined model were taken and modifications of inflammation, hyperpigmentation, black triangle and gingival recession were created using a software program. A web-based survey was created through Google Forms. These modifications were asked to be evaluated by the survey participants using VAS. 82 periodontists, 85 dentists, 85 dental students and 89 lay people participated in our study. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between professional titles in terms of redness, pigmentation, and gingival recessions (p<0.05). It was observed that periodontologists had significantly lower scores for redness, pigmentation, and central gingival recessions compared to laypeople (p<0.05). When redness, pigmentation, black triangle and gingival recession were evaluated, a significant difference was found between the genders (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that periodontist's were more critical than other groups in changes made to the gingiva. When the perception of smile esthetics by gender was evaluated, it was concluded that women were more critical than men. It was concluded that the perception of smile esthetics did not change with the grade level of dentistry students. It was concluded that the length of service of dentists and periodontists in the profession did not affect the perception of smile esthetics. Key Words: smile aesthetics, gingival recession, VAS, gingival color, black triangle