Comparison of Chu's Probe Method with the Actual Dimension of Maxillary Anterior Teeth and Evaluation of Gingival Parameters in Individuals Who Do Not Need Orthodontic Treatment: Methodological Study

Abstract

This study aims to compare the real width/length ratio of the maxillary anterior teeth with values obtained through Chu's probe and to assess periodontal parameters. Material and Methods: 128 individuals with Class I occlusion and no need for orthodontic treatment were included. Maxillary incisor width and length were measured using calipers and Chu's probe. Keratinised gingival height, pocket depth, gingival thickness and need for gingivectomy were also measured. Statistical analyses were performed using the independent samples t-test for continuous variables, the chi-squared test for categorical variables, and the kappa statistic for method comparisons. Results: No significant difference between methods was observed for each tooth. Highest keratinized gingiva amount was in upper left lateral incisor in females (5.141±1.46) and upper right lateral incisor in males (5.542±1.55). The tooth with the deepest pocket depth was upper left canine in females (2.301±0.54) and upper right canine (2.40±0.58) and upper left canine (2.40±0.63) in males. Thin phenotype was common in upper right lateral incisor in females (n=46), while thick phenotype was seen in upper right central incisor (n=30) and upper left lateral incisor (n=30). Teeth with highest and lowest gingivectomy needs were upper left canine in females (n=37) and upper right lateral incisor (n=11), and upper left central incisor (n=28) and upper left lateral incisor (n=10) in males, respectively. Conclusion: When the crown width-to-height ratio is 0.78 in terms of aesthetics, Chu's probe is practical in clinical use and gives similar results to caliper measurements.