Mandibular Central Incisors Research Articles

The association between prune belly syndrome and dental anomalies: a case report

BackgroundPrune belly syndrome is a rare condition produced by an early mesodermal defect that causes abdominal abnormalities. However, the literature indicates that disturbances related to ectodermal development may also be present. This is the first case report in the literature to suggest that dental abnormalities are part of the broad spectrum of clinical features of prune belly syndrome. Because the syndrome causes many serious medical problems, early diagnosis of abnormalities involving the primary and permanent dentitions are encouraged.Case presentationThe authors report the clinical case of a 4-year-old Caucasian boy with prune belly syndrome. In addition to the triad of abdominal muscle deficiency, abnormalities of the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts, and cryptorchidism, a geminated mandibular right central incisor, agenesis of a mandibular permanent left incisor, and congenitally missing primary teeth (namely, the mandibular right and left lateral incisors) were noted.ConclusionThis original case report about prune belly syndrome highlights the possibility that dental abnormalities are a part of the broad spectrum of clinical features of the syndrome. Therefore, an accurate intra-oral clinical examination and radiographic evaluation are required for patients with this syndrome in order to provide an early diagnosis of abnormalities involving the primary and permanent dentitions.

Onychophagia and postorthodontic isolated gingival recession: Diagnosis and treatment

This clinical report describes the diagnosis and the management of isolated-type recession defects of complex etiology in 2 healthy postorthodontic patients. The lesions were confined to 1 mandibular incisor and were associated with an abnormal buccolingual inclination of the affected tooth despite a lingual retainer made with a round stainless steel twisted wire. After careful questioning, it was determined that the recession defects were indirect effects of habitual onychophagia. The concomitant fingernail-biting habit and the lingual bonded retainer led to the indirect development of bone dehiscence and, consequently, gingival recession.

Creeping Attachment in Miller Class III Recessions: A Report of Five Cases

Introduction: Creeping attachment, a postoperative migration of gingival marginal tissue in a coronal direction, is best observed in mandibular anterior teeth with narrow recessions. In this case report, recession coverage through creeping attachment is observed in wide gingival recessions (GRs) belonging to Miller Class III cases, when gingival augmentation by free gingival graft (FGG) apical to the recession area was attempted.Case Presentation: Five patients (four males and one female, aged 27 to 30 years) with Miller Class III GRs on both mandibular central incisors, underwent FGG for gingival augmentation. The graft was placed apical to the recession. Clinical parameters were evaluated 1 year after surgery. At the end of 1 year, vestibular deepening with an increase of 3.5 to 5.5 mm of keratinized gingiva was achieved, and root coverage through creeping attachment was noticed in range of 0.4 to 2.8 mm.Conclusion: Partial root coverage through creeping attachment can be anticipated in isolated Miller Class III recession when FGG is done for augmenting the keratinized tissue apical to the GR.

Regional odontodysplasia: Orthodontic treatment and transplantation of premolars

Regional odontodysplasia is a rare and unique dental anomaly involving both dentitions, but mostly the teeth of 1 quadrant. This report describes the combined surgical and orthodontic treatment of a boy with regional odontodysplasia. The mandibular right central and lateral incisors and the canine (as well as the deciduous predecessors) were affected. In a 2-step procedure, the maxillary right and left second premolars were autotransplanted to the affected area. The extraction sites in the maxilla were closed, and a good functional occlusion was established.

Poster 16: New Treatment Options with 3.3 mm Diameter Titanium-Ziconium (Straumann Roxolid™) Implants

Dental implants are a permanent solution that provides a functional and esthetic form of tooth replacement. Standard titanium implants of 4 mm diameter or greater are preferred as they are believed to have enhanced fatigue strength and mechanical stability. Smaller diameter implants (less than 4 mm in diameter) have traditionally been used in areas that are under low occlusal forces. These areas include the maxillary lateral incisors and mandibular central and lateral incisors. Recently, Straumann has developed a Titanium-Zirconium (Ti-Zr) alloy, marketed under the brand name Roxolid™, which has 50% higher tensile strength and similar osseointegration to that of the traditional grade 4 titanium.

Poster 41: Stability of Anterior Open Bite Correction in Class III Patients Using Bimaxillary Surgery Involving Intraoral Vertical Ramus Osteotomy

There is currently limited data on the use of intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) in the surgical treatment of anterior open bite and class three malocclusion. The purpose of this study is to investigate the stability of Le Fort I osteotomy with IVRO in the correction of anterior open bite with concomitant class III malocclusion. Chart reviews of patients who underwent surgical correction of anterior open bite with class three malocclusion were obtained from the years 2004-2009. Preoperative, postoperative, and 1 year postoperative lateral cephalograms were obtained. Anterior open bite was measured clinically from the edge of the maxillary central incisor to the edge of the mandibular central incisor along its axis. Angular measurements were used to evaluate jaw movement in the horizontal and vertical directions. Anterior-posterior movement of the jaws was determined by changes in the SNA and SNB angles. Vertical movements of the maxilla were calculated from changes in the Maxillary Occlusal Plane (MOP) and Palatal Plane (PP) angles to SN. Mandibular vertical movement was based on changes in the mandibular plane (MP) angle to SN. Dental compensation was determined by changes in MOP and MP angles. All cephalograms were traced and measured digitally with Dolphin© software. Statistical analysis was performed with the SAS procedure PROC MIXED (SAS/STAT software, SAS institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). The accuracy of landmark identification, superimposition, and measurements were confirmed by retracing all cephalograms 7 days later by the same investigator. Sixty patient records were identified with 27 meeting the inclusion criteria. Six patients failed to have positive incisal overlap at 1 year postoperative (23%). Comparing preoperative data between the 2 groups, patients in the relapse group had a more significant open bite (OB −6.07 mm vs. −3.48 mm, p<0.05), overjet (−2.14 mm vs. −0.79 mm, p<0.05), maxillary posterior vertical excess (SN-PP: 0.75° vs. 3.74°, p<0.05), and a steeper mandibular plane angle (SN-MP: 41.98° vs. 36.35°, p<0.05). Surgically, the relapse group also had more maxillary clockwise movement compared to the non-relapse group (SN-PP +5.72° vs. +3.39°, p<0.05), but less mandibular counterclockwise movement (SN-MP −0.93° vs. −2.46°, p<0.05). When separating patients based on the severity of their preoperative open bite: no patients failed in the mild group (1–3 mm open bite; 0/9, 0%), 3 patients failed in the moderate group (3–6 mm open bite; 3/13, 23%), and 3 patients failed in the severe group (>6 mm open bite; 3/5, 60%). IVRO, when performed with maxillary Le Fort I osteotomy, has a success rate (78% positive incisal overlap at 1 year post operative) that is comparable to other surgical techniques when treating patients with anterior open bite and concomitant class III malocclusion. Patients likely to relapse have a severe preoperative open bite, a high preoperative mandibular plane angle, or inadequate mandibular counterclockwise movement during surgery. This study provides an evidence-based alternative to current techniques.

A Comparative Study of Mandibular Incisor Relation to the Lingual Frenum in Natural Dentition and in Complete Denture Wearers

The determination of the occlusal vertical dimension and proper positioning of the anterior teeth are major factors in making complete dentures which will give optimum service. In this study, efforts were made to evaluate the reliability of measurement of vertical distance between the anterosuperior most point on the lingual frenum and mesioincisal edges of mandibular central incisors in natural dentition among different age groups and in complete denture wearers. Three hundred dentulous subjects belonging to different age groups and hundred edentulous patients wearing complete dentures were selected. The dentulous group was divided into three groups, group I (20-40years), group II (41-60years), group III (61years and above) and the edentulous subjects being group IV ( 40-60years). Mandibular irreversible hydrocolloid impression (Alginate) was made using modified stock tray. In edentulous subjects impression was made with denture in position. The vertical distance between anterosuperior most point on the lingual frenum and mesioincisal edges of mandibular central incisors was measured on the dentulous casts and casts of complete denture wearer using dental surveyor and the vernier calipers. The values were tabulated and statistically analysed. The mean vertical distance between anterosuperior most point on the lingual frenum and mesioincisal edges of mandibular central incisors among dentulous subjects was 12.3mm and among complete denture wearers was found to be 13.2mm. There was no significant variation in the mean vertical distance among dentulous subjects belonging to different age groups. At 5% significance level, statistically there was a significant difference in the mean vertical distance between group I and group IV; group II and group IV.

An evaluation of shade differences between natural anterior teeth in different age groups and gender using commercially available shade guides.

Shade selection with the help of shade guides and color matching the restorations to the natural dentition continues to be one of the most perplexing and frustrating problems in fixed prosthodontics. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the shade differences of the natural anterior teeth in different age groups and gender, within the cross sectional Bangalore, Karnataka population, using commercially available shade guides. The shade of a cross section of the population comprising of 400 subjects of both the sexes (800 incisors; 400 maxillary central incisors; 400 mandibular central incisors) visiting the outpatient Department of Government Dental College was selected randomly and evaluated visually by a single observer using three commonly used shade guides i.e. Vita Lumin, Chromascop and the Vita 3D Master. The incidence of the most common shades in the different age groups and gender using these shade guides was obtained and this data was subjected to the χ(2) test (p<0.05-significant). The most common shade for the maxillary and mandibular incisors in the younger age group is A2/2R1.5/140 and A1/1M2/120 for the males and females using Vita Lumin, Vita 3D Master and Chromascop shade guides respectively. In the advanced age group the most common shade for the maxillary and mandibular incisors is A2/2R2.5/140 using the same order of shade guides. However the results showed no statistical significance in shade variation in males and females in different age groups using different shade guides. Although the incidence of males with darker teeth as compared to females was higher; the study showed no statistical significant correlation between shade differences in both the sexes. It is also observed that there is a significant darkening of teeth as the age advances.

Cone beam computed tomography evaluations of marginal alveolar bone before and after orthodontic treatment combined with premolar extractions

Using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) we investigated the distance between the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) and the marginal bone crest (MBC) at buccal, lingual, mesial, and distal surfaces of incisors to first molars in adolescents before (baseline) and after extractive orthodontic treatment (study end point). Patients with Class I malocclusion, crowding and an overjet of ≤ 5 mm were examined with a CBCT unit using a 60 × 60-mm field of view and a 0.125-mm voxel size. Large differences in marginal bone height were found at baseline, particularly between tooth surfaces. There was a slight correlation between age and CEJ-MBC distance. From baseline to the study end point, large bone-height changes among teeth and tooth surfaces could be seen. Lingual surfaces, followed by buccal surfaces, showed the largest changes. Eighty-four per cent of lingual surfaces of mandibular central incisors exhibited a bone-height decrease of > 2 mm. The bone-height decrease was larger at lingual surfaces in the mandible than in the maxilla, and larger in girls (mean=1.8 mm) than in boys (mean=1.5 mm). Fewer than 1% of proximal surfaces exhibited changes of > 2 mm. It is unknown whether the changes in marginal bone height are transitory. A high-quality CBCT technique may help to determine this by providing a deeper insight into the long-term side effects of orthodontic treatment.

Variability in permanent tooth size of three ancient populations in Xi’an, northern China

ObjectivesThis paper compares permanent dental dimensions between three ancient populations that belonged to the same biological population throughout a temporal range of 2000years to detect temporal trends and metric variation in dentition. Materials and methodsThe samples analysed were dental remains of 4502 permanent teeth from 321 individuals, which were excavated from three archaeological sites: Chang’an (1000–1300years BP), Shanren (2200years BP) and Shaolingyuan (3000years BP) in the Xi’an region (northern China). For each tooth three standard measurements were taken: Mesiodistal (MD) diameter of crown, labiolingual or buccolingual (BL) diameter of crown and length of root (LR). ResultsThree ancient population samples generally displayed the same dental dimensions (p>0.05), whereas some tooth types varied. The Shaolingyuan had larger canine and the smallest maxillary second molars and the Chang’an had the largest mandibular first molars in the MD dimension. The Shanren had the smallest maxillary third molars and mandibular central incisors, and the Chang’an had the smallest maxillary lateral incisors in the BL dimension. In the LR measures, statistically significant differences of five tooth types showed that the Chang’an were smaller than the Shaolingyuan and the Shanren. Comparisons of coefficients of variation for teeth showed that the length of root and third molar usually displayed greater variation. ConclusionsDecreasing or increasing trend for crown size does not occur between the ancient populations, while changes in crown size of a few tooth types fluctuate. The root size is more variable than the crown size and is likely to reflect a degenerated trend in a few tooth types.

Compound odontoma associated with mandibular impacted permanent central incisor: a case report

Odontomas are the most common benign odontogenic tumors that are hamartomas composed of various dental tissues, and there are two types, complex and compound. Compound odontomas are more prevalent than complex odontomas and consist of many teeth–like structures. Most of such lesions are asymptomatic. These lesions are generally diagnosed by routine radiological examination. The compound type is generally found in the anterior region of the maxilla. The etiology of these lesions has not been precisely explained. If there is absence of any contraindication, the treatment for odontomas is surgical excision. This article describes a case of compound odontoma associated with impacted central mandibular right permanent incisor in a 12–year–old female due to trauma. The odontoma was surgically removed with an impacted central incisor.

Apically Extruded Debris with Reciprocating Single-File and Full-sequence Rotary Instrumentation Systems

IntroductionThe purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the amount of apically extruded debris using rotary and reciprocating nickel-titanium instrumentation systems. MethodsEighty human mandibular central incisors were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n = 20 teeth per group). The root canals were instrumented according to the manufacturers’ instructions using the 2 reciprocating single-file systems Reciproc (VDW, Munich, Germany) and WaveOne (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and the 2 full-sequence rotary Mtwo (VDW, Munich, Germany) and ProTaper (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) instruments. Bidistilled water was used as irrigant. The apically extruded debris was collected in preweighted glass vials using the Myers and Montgomery method. After drying, the mean weight of debris was assessed with a microbalance and statistically analyzed using analysis of variance and the post hoc Student-Newman-Keuls test. The time required to prepare the canals with the different instruments was also recorded. ResultsThe reciprocating files produced significantly more debris compared with both rotary systems (P < .05). Although no statistically significant difference was obtained between the 2 rotary instruments (P > .05), the reciprocating single-file system Reciproc produced significantly more debris compared with all other instruments (P < .05). Instrumentation was significantly faster using Reciproc than with all other instrument (P < .05). ConclusionsUnder the condition of this study, all systems caused apical debris extrusion. Full-sequence rotary instrumentation was associated with less debris extrusion compared with the use of reciprocating single-file systems.

Predicting lower third molar eruption on panoramic radiographs after cephalometric comparison of profile and panoramic radiographs

Previous studies have suggested methods for predicting third molar tooth eruption radiographically. Still, this prediction is associated with uncertainty. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the association between cephalometric measurements on profile and panoramic radiographs and to find a simple and reliable method for predicting the eruption of the mandibular third molar by measurements on panoramic radiographs. The material consisted of profile and panoramic radiographs, taken before orthodontic treatment, of 30 males and 23 females (median age 22, range 18-48 years), with no known diseases. Cephalometric measurements on panoramic and profile radiographs were performed and compared, i.e. the size of the gonial angle and sagittal distance from the alveolar margin between the mandibular central incisors to the anterior border of the mandibular ramus. Furthermore, the mesiodistal width of the second molar was measured. Statistical methods included analysis of method error. The probability of eruption was modelled using logistic regression analysis. Correlation was observed between all measurements on profile and panoramic radiographs. The skeletal variable expressing the length from the ramus to the incisors (olr-id) showed a statistically significant correlation. By combining this length with the mesiodistal width of the lower second molar, the prediction of eruption of the lower third molar was strengthened. A new formula for calculating the probability of eruption of the mandibular third molar was made and a graph constructed for easy assessment. In conclusion, a simple method for predicting the eruption of the third molar is presented.

Lack of correlation between sealer penetration into dentinal tubules and sealability in nonbonded root fillings

To determine the correlation between leakage and sealer penetration into dentinal tubule. The root canal of 60 mandibular central incisor teeth were prepared and filled under standardized conditions. Teeth were placed into a device to assess glucose penetration using 15 psi pressure application. After 1 h, glucose concentrations in the lower chamber were measured using an enzymatic reaction. Each specimen was then sectioned horizontally at 3, 6 and 8 mm from the apex, and a standard metallographic preparation was performed. The coronally facing surface of each slice was examined in a high-resolution stereomicroscope and under Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope. For each slice, the external outline of the root canal, the internal circumference of the root canal walls and the areas along the canal walls where the sealer had penetrated into the dentinal tubules (sealer tags) were outlined and measured. Afterwards, the percentage of the sealer penetration in each section was calculated. The Spearman correlation test was used to verify the correlation between the variables studied (glucose leakage and sealer penetration into dentinal tubules). The means and standard deviations of glucose leakage were 0.744 g L(-1) (±0.5), and the percentage of the dentinal tubule sealer penetration varied between teeth from 5.6% to 42.21%, with an average of 13.7 ± 17.2%. The Spearman correlation test revealed no significant correlation between the two factors analysed (P = 0.082). The r(2) value was equal to 0.12. There was no significant correlation between sealability sealer penetration into dentinal tubules. The lack of correlation reported is of relevance as sealer penetration into dentinal tubules has been used as an advantageous property during the launch of new root filling materials and techniques.

Endodontic management of mandibular central incisor fused to a supernumerary tooth associated with a talon cusp: a case report

To report the successful non-surgical endodontic management of a mandibular central incisor fused to a supernumerary tooth associated with a talon cusp. Fusion and gemination are developmental anomalies of teeth that may require endodontic treatment. In this article, a case of successful endodontic management of a permanent mandibular right central incisor fused to its supernumerary counterpart associated with a talon cusp is reported. The incidence of fusion in mandibular anteriors is rare. A search of the literature failed to reveal any reports on the fusion of a permanent mandibular central incisor with its supernumerary counterpart associated with a talon cusp. Successful non-surgical endodontic management of a case is reported. • Fused and geminated teeth requiring endodontic treatment present diagnostic and technical challenges. • An exact differentiation between fusion and gemination may not be critically important for treatment. • The use of an operating microscope for detection of additional root canal orifices in complicated cases is recommended.

Matching repeatability and interdevice agreement of 2 intraoral spectrophotometers

The visual determination of tooth color with standard shade guides is a subjective method of color communication, depending on variables such as the light source, the operator, and the tooth. The assessment of tooth color may be improved by the use of special devices such as colorimeters or spectrophotometers. However, the repeatability and the interdevice agreement of these devices have not been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different illuminants (natural daylight, dental unit lamp, and daylight lamp) on the matching repeatability of 2 intraoral spectrophotometers (Easyshade and SpectroShade). The maxillary right central incisor and canine and the mandibular left central incisor of each of 10 dental students were measured by a single operator using both devices. The color of each tooth was assessed 3 times with each device under each of the 3 different illuminants (natural daylight, a dental unit lamp, and a daylight lamp). The device readings were expressed in Vitapan 3D-Master shade codes. Statistical analysis was performed and the level of agreement was assessed with the Spearman Correlation Coefficient. A particularly high to moderate level of agreement among the readings made under natural daylight, a dental unit lamp, and a daylight lamp was observed for both devices (P<.01), suggesting that their matching repeatability was not completely satisfactory for clinical practice. A moderate and a moderate to high level of agreement was found among Easyshade readings when the 3 different illuminants were used. The level of agreement for the respective SpectroShade readings was particularly high to high (P<.001). A particularly low level of agreement was found among the respective Easyshade and SpectroShade readings performed under any of the illuminants tested (P<.05), suggesting poor interdevice reliability. The matching repeatability of both devices under natural daylight, a dental unit lamp, and a daylight lamp was not completely satisfactory for clinical practice. The effects of different illuminants seem to be more pronounced for Spectroshade than for Easyshade. The interdevice agreement between the 2 devices tested was poor, suggesting that the 2 devices were not compatible.

Case report: A rare occurrence of non-syndromic hypo-hyperdontia in the mandibular anterior region

Dental abnormalities of tooth number in development of the permanent dentition are quite common; however combined occurrence of hypodontia and hyperdontia is a rare phenomenon, especially when it occurs in the same dental arch and in a non-syndromic situation. A 15½-year-old non-syndromic male with missing mandibular central incisors and an erupted mandibular mesiodens presented for dental treatment. Intra-oral examination showed reddish, soft, oedematous marginal gingivitis of the molars with absence of stippling. Hard tissue examination revealed the absence of mandibular central incisors bilaterally and presence of a microdont conical shaped supernumerary tooth in the midline. The morphology of clinical crowns of the mandibular incisors and absence of spacing between incisors and canines determined a diagnosis of congenitally missing central incisors. To ensure optimum function and aesthetics, the patient was advised to have aesthetic rehabilitation for mandibular anterior teeth, but he refused the treatment. Complete scaling and restorations for 16 and 26 were performed. The patient was followed every 6 months for two years to assess his oral health status. Oral health remains good but aesthetic restorations have continued to be refused. This is only the fifth case reported in the dental literature, where the two anomalies manifest in the anterior region of the mandible.

Disturbances in dental development and craniofacial growth in children treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

To investigate the correlation between age, degree of disturbances in dental development, and vertical growth of the face in children treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). 39 long-term survivors of HSCT performed in childhood and transplanted before the age of 12, at a mean age of 6.8±3.3 years. Panoramic and cephalometric radiographs were taken at a mean age of 16.2 years. For each patient two age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. The area of three mandibular teeth was measured and a cephalometric analysis was performed. The mean area of the mandibular central incisor, first and second molar was significantly smaller in the HSCT group, and the vertical growth of the face was significantly reduced, especially in the lower third, compared to healthy controls. A statistically significant correlation between age at HSCT, degree of disturbances in dental development, and vertical growth of the face was found. Children subjected to pre-HSCT chemotherapy protocols had significantly more growth reduction in vertical craniofacial variables compared to children without pre-HSCT chemotherapy. Conditioning regimens including busulfan or total body irradiation had similar deleterious effects on tooth area reduction and craniofacial parameters. The younger the child is at HSCT, the greater the impairment in dental and vertical facial development. This supports the suggestion that the reduction in lower facial height found in SCT children mainly is a result of impaired dental development and that young age is a risk factor for more severe disturbances.

Prevalence of Talon cusp in Indian population.

Aim: To investigate the prevalence of the talon cusps in a sample of Indian dental patients and their distribution among different types of teeth. To determine the presence of other dental anomalies associated with the talon cusps. Method: 2740 out patients (1523 males and 1217 females) attending Oral Medicine department from November 2010 to January 2011 were screened for the presence of talon cusps and were subjected to Intra Oral Peri-apical (IOPA) radiograph to rule out any associated anomalies or peri-apical changes. Results: Talon cusps were detected in 16 out of 2740 patients (person prevalence 0.58%). Thirty one teeth were found to have talon cusp. Maxillary lateral incisors were the most commonly affected teeth (54.8%, 17 teeth), followed by maxillary central incisors and canines (16.12%, 5 teeth).Talon cusp was found in two mandibular central incisors (6.45%) and one each in mandibular second and third molar (3.22% each). Seventeen teeth in 7 patients (54.83%) were found to be associated with anomalies like dens invagination (6 teeth, 19.35%), impacted 13, 23 (6 teeth, 19.35%), partial anodontia (3 teeth, 9.67%), geographic and fissured tongue (2 teeth, 6.45%). Peri-apical granuloma was found in one tooth with talon cusp associated with dens invaginatus. None of the patients were found to be associated with any syndromes. Conclusion: Attention should be paid to the presence of the talon cusp and the associated anomalies. Early diagnosis of the talon cusp can help the clinician in preventing the further complications. Key words:Orthopantomography, atheroma, stroke.

Determination of the comfort zone for intergingival height and its practical application to treatment planning: A survey

The concept of the 'comfort zone' for intergingival height is a simple guideline to help establish the correct vertical dimension necessary for occlusal harmony in any individual. It can be used as a guide for identifying individuals at relatively greater risk of developing temporomandibular dysfunction and also when rebuilding the occlusion in the treatment of patients with temporomandibular dysfunction. The intergingival height varies according to the patient's age and stage of development, as well as with the height of the incisor crowns. In orthodontics this parameter can be used to track the progress of a patient being treated with functional appliances. This parameter has not been studied in detail and hence this survey was designed and conducted to gain information regarding its significance. The objectives of this survey were to estimate the value of 'comfort zone' for intergingival height in the region of the central incisor and to establish the norm for the comfort zone in males and females. The intergingival height was measured in the region of the right central incisor using a vernier caliper. The intergingival height was measured as the vertical distance from the midpoint of the free gingival margin of the right maxillary central incisor to a similar point on the right mandibular central incisor, with the teeth in occlusion. According to the results of this, the range for the comfort zone for intergingival height in all subjects was 15.96-16.55 mm. The range for female subjects was 14.86-15.32 mm and the range for male subjects was 17.12-17.67 mm. The comfort zone of intergingival height should become a part of our vocabulary and should be routinely utilized as a guideline for consistently achieving the correct vertical dimension at the end of treatment. The areas of utilization of this measurement are many and it should be used to assist in achieving better and more stable clinical results.