Dental and gingival morphometric parameters in the geriatric population in Serbia: A preliminary study

Sažetak

Background: To evaluate clinical crown dimensions of maxillary central incisors, the width-to-height ratio (W/H), gingival contour classes, and lip line types in individuals older than 60 years and their associations with sex and age. Materials and Methods: Forty participants (22 women, 18 men; mean age 74.53 ± 9.13 years) were examined at a gerontology center. Crown height and width were measured using a calibrated dental caliper, while gingival contour and lip line were assessed clinically during spontaneous smiling. Data were analyzed with SPSS 31.0, applying Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Results: No significant sex-related differences were found in crown dimensions or W/H ratio. class 2 gingival contour and a low lip line predominated. Increasing age was associated with reduced crown height, higher W/H ratio, greater prevalence of class 2 contour, and decreased maxillary tooth exposure during smiling. Discussion: The findings indicate that aging-related morphological changes substantially influence anterior dental proportions and soft-tissue display, which should be considered during aesthetic and prosthetic treatment planning. Such an approach may improve treatment predictability, patient satisfaction, and long-term functional stability, particularly in populations with complex systemic conditions and cumulative dental wear, where standardized aesthetic norms are often inappropriate. Conclusion: Aging significantly modifies tooth morphology, gingival phenotype, and lip line position. Despite limitations related to sample size and single-center design, the results provide clinically relevant baseline data for geriatric dental rehabilitation and support an individualized approach integrating functional, aesthetic, and psychological considerations. Further multicenter studies are therefore strongly recommended.