Longitudinal aspects of gingival width

Measurements of gingival width at upper and lower incisors in 30 male adults were compared to those taken five and a half years previously. A slight increase in gingival width at the upper incisors was found. At the lower incisors the width of the gingiva did not increase. The relevance of these findings with regard to the increase in lower face height in adults was discussed. It has been postulated that this increase occurs within the area of the alveolar processes and is due to eruptive movements of the teeth and their supporting tissues. The findings of the present study also point to an increase in gingival width. However, the findings must be interpreted with caution. It is questionable whether at the present time adequate techniques are available to measure changes in gingival width in adults, as the so called adult growth is almost imperceptibly small.