Investigation of Vertical Distance between Incisive Papilla and Incisal Edge of Maxillary Central Incisors

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to determine the vertical distance between maxillary central incisors and incisive papilla. METHODS: The vertical distance between incisal edges of maxillary central incisors and the centre of the incisive papilla was measured by a digital caliper on the stone casts that were obtained from dentate subjects. RESULTS: The mean vertical distance between maxillary central incisors and incisive papilla on the stone casts was 6.70±0.81 mm. The vertical distance range was 5.51 mm to 8.89 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical relevance of this study lies in application to complete denture construction. The dentist and laboratory technician can be use the results of this study as a guideline in fabrication of maxillary occlusal rims and in determination of the position of the occlusal plane with the reference of other anatomical landmarks together. However, the wax rim should be modified intraorally to incorporate individual characteristics and the anterior tooth should be arranged on modified wax rim.