Impact of long contact areas for the management of varying levels of interdental papilla loss on the perception of smile esthetics between dentists and laypersons in asymmetric and symmetric situations

Abstract Purpose To determine the effect of restorations with long contact areas for the management of interdental papilla deficiencies, in smile attractiveness among laypersons and dentists. Material and Methods A full‐portrait image was used to create a set of digitally modified images, simulating the management of various levels of interdental papilla loss. In a total of 48 modified images, single as well as multiple loss of interdental papilla among the anterior teeth, treated with a single or multiple restorations were simulated for unilateral and bilateral situations. Through a digital monitor 160 laypeople and dentists were asked to assess the attractiveness of each displayed image utilizing a visual‐analog‐scale. Multiple Wilcoxon‐signed‐rank tests followed by Mann–Whitney U tests were performed considering a significance level of 0.05. Results The management of an open gingival embrasure due to interdental papilla loss, by simulating the restoration of both central incisors led to a significantly higher mean smile attractiveness compared to the restoration of a single central incisor. Among the investigated regions, the management of open gingival embrasure in the area of central incisors using a restorative approach was perceived as the least esthetic ( p < 0.05). Conclusions Despite the restorative management of interdental papilla loss, with the establishment of longer contact areas for the reduction of open gingival embrasures, as the level of the interdental papilla loss is increased, facial esthetics are compromised. When a longer contact area is accomplished through a single restoration, asymmetry among the teeth can be induced, especially in the region of the central incisors.