Smile Line Assessment — NDEB AFK MCQ
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Correct answer: A — The amount of tooth and gingival display during a full smile, which guides aesthetic treatment planning
The smile line (lip line) assessment determines how much of the teeth and gingiva is visible during a full (maximum) smile. A high smile line exposes the entire crown and a band of gingiva (gummy smile); an average smile line exposes 75-100% of the maxillary crown and the interdental papillae; a low smile line exposes less than 75% of the crown. This assessment is critical for prosthodontic treatment planning — a high smile line demands the highest aesthetic standards for restorations and may require gingival recontouring.
Reference: Shillingburg – Fundamentals of Fixed Prosthodontics, 4th ed., 2012