GINGIVAL PHENOTYPES IN YOUNG MALE-ADULTS

In a previous study on 42 young adult, periodontally healthy subjects without any attrition, abrasion or crown restoration, gingival thickne ss (GTH) was determined at facial aspects of premolars, canines and in cisors by a novel ultrasonic device. GTH strongly depended on periodon tal probing depth, width of gingiva (WG), and tooth type. Whereas the ratio of crown width to its length (CW/CL) was not identified as an ex planatory variable, a significant influence of the subject was ascerta ined. The aim of the present study was to extend these analyses in ord er to identify subjects with different morphological characteristics o f gingiva, i.e., gingival phenotypes. When employing cluster analysis on standardized parameters mean GTH, WG and CW/CL of upper canines, la teral and central incisors, 3 clusters were identified. Cluster A comp rised 2/3 of subjects, displaying ''normal'' GTH, WG and CW/CL. Cluste r B (n=9, 21%) had a significantly thicker and wider gingiva, and a mo re quadratic form of upper front teeth. A 3rd cluster (cluster C, n=5, 12%) was identified showing ''normal'' GTH, high CW/CL, but a narrow zone of keratinized tissue. Some characteristics of gingival phenotype of the upper front tooth region were also found at upper premolars (W G, CW/CL) but in general not at mandibular teeth. Present results clea rly indicate evidence for the existence of different gingival phenotyp es. Clinical relevance of these observations has to be tested in longi tudinal studies.