Evaluate the Association between the Interpterygomaxillary Notch and the Width of Maxillary Anterior Teeth

Abstract

Aim: Among the most challenging aspect of complete denture construction is the proper selection ofmaxillary anterior teeth. The main objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the totalmesiodistal width of the six maxillary anterior teeth and the interpterygomaxillary notch distance.Materials and Methods: One hundred maxillary impressions were taken on subjects using irreversiblehydrocolloid impression material and stock trays. The distance between two pterygomaxillary notcheswas measured on a straight line using a digital caliper with a 0.01-mm precision level. For each cast, themaximum coronal widths of each of the maxillary anterior six teeth were measured with a caliper. Theresults were analyzed using correlation regression tests.Results: The mean mesiodistal width of the six maxillary anterior teeth was 52.97 (+2.29) mm, and the meandistance of the interpterygomaxillary notch was 44.28 (+ 3.29) mm. The corelation and regression testsshowed that there was a stastically significant positive corelation (p=0.001), Pearson coefficient = 0.498between the interpterygomaxillary notch distance and total mesiodistal width of the six maxillary anteriorteeth.Conclusion: The majority of cases showed a significant relationship between the interpterygomaxillarynotch distance and total mesiodistal width of the six maxillary anterior teeth. Though other parametersshould also be considered to analyze and compare other morphological structures to improve the aestheticrequirement for the conventional denture wearer.