Comparative Evaluation of Gingival Zenith Deviation from the Vertical Bisected Midline and Apicocoronal Displacement of the Zenith of Lateral Incisor from Gingival Zenith Level: A Cross-sectional Study

To measure the deviation of the gingival zenith (GZ) of maxillary anterior teeth with the vertical bisected midline (VBM) and apicocoronal displacement of lateral incisor zenith from GZ level of central incisor and canine. Materials and methods: For 50 periodontally healthy subjects (age range 18-50 years) having all anterior teeth, alginate impressions were made and a diagnostic cast was obtained. Gingival zenith was marked and its deviation from the VBM was measured for the maxillary anterior teeth using the method described by Chu and Stappert. The apicocoronal distance of the GZ point of the lateral incisor was measured from the GZ level of the central incisor and canine. The data were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Gingival zenith deviation was greater in the central incisor, followed by lateral incisor and canine. The mean apicocoronal displacement of the GZ of the right lateral incisor was 0.606 0.417 mm and the left lateral incisor was 0.537 0.414 mm from the GZ level. Conclusion: Gingival zenith deviation can be mesial or distal and is tooth-dependent. It was found that in the majority of cases, lateral incisors showed coronal displacement of GZ from the GZ line.