Gender-specific evaluation of variation of maxillary exposure when smiling.

INTRODUCTION: Excessive exposure of maxillary teeth when smiling can have a negative effect on the aesthetics and attractiveness of the face. The presented study was aimed to evaluate the effect of different amounts of gingival exposure on the perception of such human characteristics and qualities as age, attractiveness, gender specificity, and felt sympathy in the context of the whole face. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two participants (21 female and 21 male students of Dental Medicine) were recruited as evaluators for the study. Two average-looking subjects (one female, one male) were photographed. The images were processed to create a series of eight clones with different gingival exposure (shift A-H; A = full over-exposure, H = invisibility of the crown surfaces of the teeth). The panellists evaluated characteristics as attractiveness, gender specificity, age, and felt sympathy. RESULTS: 42 participants joined the study (21 female, 21 male). Shift H was assessed as worst for sympathy and attractiveness, and resulted in the highest estimated age. Best attractiveness was observed for shifts C and D. Gender dimorphism was noticed, with own gender being rated as less attractive and opposite gender as more attractive. CONCLUSIONS: Female and male evaluators assess excessive gingival and maxillary incisor display differently for female and male probands. Excessive over- or underexposure of the maxillary gingiva and teeth when smiling is perceived as unattractive and results in less observer sympathy.