EVALUATION OF COINCIDENCE OF GINGIVAL ZENITH AND VERTICALLY BISECTED MIDLINE IN ANTERIOR TEETH: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the coincidence and displacement of the gingival zenith in relation to the VBM of maxillary anterior teeth and to examine possible gender differences. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional study was conducted with a non-probability consecutive sampling technique on 100 patients aged 18-30 at the outpatient department of Rehman College of Dentistry. Maxillary impressions were taken and poured in type IV dental stone. A digital caliper measured the gingival zenith and VBM on the casts, along with a pico-coronal displacement of lateral incisors. Data were analyzed using SPSS v22 with appropriate statistical tests (Shapiro-Wilk, t-test/Mann-Whitney U, chi-square), with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTSWith mean shifts of 0.70-0.84 mm and no significant gender differences (parametric effect size d = 0.25-0.35; 95% CI; p>0.05), gingival zenith displacement was more prevalent in central incisors (>90%). Minor nonparametric effects were observed in canines and lateral incisors (r < 0.081), with canines most aligned with VBM. CONCLUSION Displacement of the gingival zenith is common in maxillary anterior teeth, particularly in central incisors, while canines show the greatest likelihood of coincidence with the VBM. Gender did not influence gingival zenith position. Careful assessment of zenith position is recommended when planning esthetic dental treatments.