Aim: Increased vertical growth of the maxilla is a condition that affects a large part of the population. The condition reveals a skeletal alteration of the cranio-masticatory system. One of the effects generated by the excessive vertical growth of the maxilla is a gingival smile pattern that can affect esthetic patterns as well as alter the masticatory biomechanics, which is a primary etiologic factor in temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Contemporary imaging aids help to optimize diagnostic analysis; perform treatment; and make an evaluation before, during, and after treatment. The present study aims to compare the clinical diagnosis of gingival smile with the dimensions of the dentoalveolar square, digitally calculated in the panoramic projection of the CBCT.
Materials and methods: In a sample of 37 patients, an analysis was performed of the correlation between the dimensions of the dentoalveolar square of the Tatis panoramic cephalometry and the clinical photometry, applying the Tjan gingival smile analysis.
Results: The results show that there is high correlation and agreement between the cephalometric measurement method of the dentoalveolar square and Tjan’s photometric measurement method. Both methods can be used to classify the smile type as high, medium or low.
Conclusions: Analysis of the dentoalveolar square of the panoramic cephalometry provides an accurate diagnosis of the anterior vertical dimension of the maxilla as it relates to the clinical diagnosis of smile.
Keywords: gingival smile, panoramic radiography, maxillary height, smile analysis, maxillary vertical dimension
