Gummy Smile and Altered Passive Eruption Prevalence

NCT07548398 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 1972/2025
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 100
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This observational epidemiological study aims to assess the prevalence of gummy smile and altered passive eruption in a young adult population, with a focus on the second sextant. Periodontal and aesthetic parameters, along with patient-reported discomfort, will be analyzed to identify potential correlations and underlying anatomical factors.

Conditions

Altered Passive Eruption of Teeth

Keywords

altered passive eruption; gummy smile; aesthetic

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Gingival display during smiling

  Quantitative assessment of gingival display during posed smile, measured as the vertical distance (in millimeters) between the inferior border of the upper lip and the gingival margin of the maxillary central incisors. Continuous variable (mm), measured using a calibrated periodontal probe and standardized intraoral photographs.

  Baseline (single visit)

• Prevalence of altered passive eruption (APE)

  Assessment of the presence of altered passive eruption based on clinical crown dimensions and gingival margin position relative to anatomical landmarks. Measurement scale: Categorical variable (Presence/Absence)

  Baseline

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Clinical crown length of maxillary anterior teeth

  Baseline

Study Arms (1)

Healthy young adults

Young adult subjects undergoing first dental examination, evaluated for periodontal and aesthetic parameters and the presence of excessive gingival display.

Other: Clinical assessment

Interventions

Clinical assessment OTHER

Non-invasive clinical evaluation including measurement of aesthetic indices (PES/WES), and intraoral photographic documentation.

Healthy young adults

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 50 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The population will include individuals with and without excessive gingival display, in order to assess the prevalence of gummy smile and its association with altered passive eruption and related anatomical and aesthetic parameters. Particular attention will be given to the second sextant, which represents the area most frequently involved in gingival display. All participants will undergo a non-invasive clinical and photographic assessment aimed at evaluating gingival exposure, clinical crown dimensions, and other relevant anatomical features. In addition, patient-reported outcomes regarding aesthetic perception and psychosocial impact will be collected.

You may qualify if:

• Male and female subjects;
• Age between 18 and 50 years;
• Periodontally healthy subjects;
• Patients with no history of orthodontic treatment;
• Patients without gingival hypertrophy or hyperplasia.

You may not qualify if:

• Age \< 18 or \> 50 years;
• Patients diagnosed with Stage I-IV periodontitis;
• Patients currently undergoing orthodontic treatment;
• Patients with severe dental crowding in the second sextant;
• Patients taking medications associated with gingival hypertrophy or -hyperplasia;
• Patients unwilling to provide informed consent;
• Patients with fixed or removable prostheses in the second sextant;
• Patients with a history of surgical procedures in the second sextant;
• Patients with uncontrolled diabetes or neuropsychiatric disorders;
• Patients with infectious diseases;
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those with suspected pregnancy;
• Patients taking bisphosphonates;
• Oncologic patients and those undergoing head and neck radiotherapy or receiving chemotherapy;
• Patients with alcohol or drug abuse.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Roma La Sapienza: lead

Study Sites (1)

Sapienza università di Roma

Roma, RM, 00161, Italy

RECRUITING

Related Publications (1)

• Tatakis DN, Silva CO. Contemporary treatment techniques for excessive gingival display caused by altered passive eruption or lip hypermobility. J Dent. 2023 Nov;138:104711. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2023.104711. Epub 2023 Sep 18.

  PMID: 37730094 BACKGROUND

Central Study Contacts

Fabrizio Guerra

CONTACT

3283150627; fabrizio.guerra@uniroma1.it

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: ECOLOGIC OR COMMUNITY
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate professor, MD, pHd

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 16, 2026
• First Posted: April 23, 2026
• Study Start: September 1, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): October 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 1, 2026
• Last Updated: April 29, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

IT (1)