Position Of Maxillary Central Incisors Research Articles

Does different vertical position of maxillary central incisors in women with different facial vertical height affect smile esthetics perception?

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the esthetic perceptions of orthodontists, prosthodontists and laypersons with regard to different vertical positions of the maxillary central incisors related to lateral incisors for different facial vertical height cases.Subject and methodsFrontal full-face photographs showing social smiles of three adult women aged between 18 and 25 years were used. Vertical position of the maxillary central incisor was changed (intruded or extruded) with 0.5 mm increments according to the reference gingival line resulting five images for each woman in a full-face view yielding a total of 15 images. A visual analog scale was placed below each smile to allow the raters to evaluate the attractiveness of each smile independently. One-way analysis of variance was used to determine whether there was a difference between more than two independent groups in terms of quantitative variables. Comparisons of more than two dependent groups were examined with repeated measures one-way ANOVA. The significance level was taken as 0.05 for all analyses.ResultsFor increased facial vertical height, the highest scores for orthodontists were given to the 0.5 mm extruded (64.18 ± 26.36), for prosthodontists to the control (57.28 ± 19.80), and for layperson to the 1 mm extruded (61.27 ± 25.98) central incisor position. For decreased facial vertical height, the highest scores were obtained at the 0.5 mm intrusion with an increasing pattern from orthodontists to laypersons (63.95 ± 22.08 for orthodontists, 79.87 ± 21.43 for prosthodontists, and 79.88 ± 19.17 for laypersons). All three rater groups gave the highest scores to the 0 mm (control) smile design for normal facial vertical height. When these scores were compared among the groups, laypersons gave significantly higher scores compared to orthodontists (p < 0.001) and prosthodontists (p = 0.005).ConclusionsThe facial vertical height significantly affected the perception of smile esthetics. Keeping the distance between the central and lateral incisors longer than 1 mm in individuals with increased facial height may be important in terms of increasing patient satisfaction in terms of clinical aesthetics. On the contrary, keeping the distance between the central and lateral incisors shorter than 1 mm may create a more esthetically acceptable result in individuals with short facial height.

Evaluation of the effect of gingival margin and incisal edge locations of maxillary anterior teeth on the perception of smile esthetics

ABSTRACT Purpose It is important to be aware of patients’ esthetic needs to create an attractive smile, because their aesthetic perception might differ from that of clinicians. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of the vertical position of maxillary central incisors and the mesiodistal position of the gingival zenith of maxillary incisors on the esthetic perception of the smile. Materials and methods A close-up, frontal view photograph of a smiling young adult Iranian woman was selected for the present study. The photos were randomly placed in an album and shown to 75 referees who assessed the attractiveness of the photos using VAS. The data were analysed with one-way ANOVA and post hoc LSD tests. Results There were no significant differences in the smile esthetic scores of VP photos given by the laypersons. The laypersons gave the least VAS smile esthetic scores to the photo in which the incisal edges of the central and lateral incisors were at the same level. The specialists gave the highest smile esthetic scores to the GZ photo in which the gingival zeniths of central incisors were 1 mm distal to the vertical axis and the gingival zenith of lateral incisors on the central vertical axis. Conclusion Laypersons were less sensitive than dental specialists in evaluating the esthetic smile of VP photos. However, in evaluating the smile attractiveness of GZ photos, restorative dentistry specialists exhibited more critical opinions than orthodontists and laypersons.

A coupled-lines system to determine the anteroposterior position of maxillary central incisors for smiling profile esthetics.

To develop a coupled-lines system to determine the anteroposterior position of maxillary central incisors (U1) for smiling profile esthetics. Thirty Asian females with ordinary and good facial harmony were selected as the study sample and the control sample, respectively. Three-dimensional facial images and 45°- and 90°-angled profiles were collected. The anteroposterior relationships between U1 and upper- and mid-facial soft tissue landmarks were measured. By morphing photos of the study sample, two artificial images were created to represent the well-balanced 45°- and 90°-angled profiles and were further processed with combined variations of soft tissue subnasale (SSn)-Glabella and the mid-point of facial axial points of the bilateral central incisor (mFA)-SSn distances. Esthetic assessments were performed on these images by layperson (n = 94) and orthodontist (n = 94) raters. Both upper- and mid-facial soft tissue landmarks were indispensable in assessing anteroposterior positions of U1 for well-balanced smiling profiles. As assessed in 45°- and 90°-angled profiles, the most esthetically sensitive parameters were mFA-Glabella and mFA-SSn distances. A coupled-lines system was constructed, comprising the Glabella and SSn vertical lines. In smiling profiles with optimal esthetics, the mFA point was at 2 to 5 mm posterior to the Glabella vertical and concomitantly 4 to 7 mm posterior to the SSn vertical, as perceived by orthodontists. Laypersons gave a wider range for mFA-Glabella distances, at 2 to 6 mm. The coupled-lines system could serve as a reliable reference for determining esthetically optimal anteroposterior positions of U1 for female facial profiles.

Anteroposterior relationship of the maxillary central incisors to the forehead in adult Chinese females

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to evaluate the anteroposterior (AP) relationship of the maxillary central incisors to the forehead in adult Chinese females. Material and Methods: The study sample consisted of 100 lateral smiling photographic images of adult Chinese females who were seeking orthodontic treatment (mean age = 24.0 + 6.5 years old). The study sample was compared to a control sample consisting of 100 images of adult Chinese females with harmonious facial profiles downloaded from the internet. The images were resized and rotated to the upright head position in an image editing software. Reference lines were constructed to evaluate forehead inclinations and AP positions of the maxillary central incisors. Results: In the control sample, 80% of the maxillary central incisors were positioned between the facial axis point of the forehead (FFA) and the glabella. About 13% were positioned posterior to the FFA point and 7% anterior to the glabella. In the study sample, 31% of the maxillary central incisors were positioned between the FFA point and glabella, 52% posterior to the FFA point, and 18% anterior to the glabella. There was a strong correlation between the position of the maxillary central incisors and forehead inclination in the control sample (r2 = 0.827). The difference in AP maxillary central incisor position relative to the forehead between the two groups was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.000). Conclusion: The forehead may be an important landmark when evaluating the AP position of maxillary incisors in adult Chinese female patients.

Influence of Implant Diameter and Taper on Virtual Implant Placement in the Maxillary Central Incisor Position: A CBCT Analysis.

This study aimed to assess the influence of implant diameter and taper on the proximity of virtually planned maxillary central incisor implants to the nasopalatine canal and adjacent anatomical structures. Virtual implant planning was performed in the maxillary central incisor position. The distance between the implant and the incisive canal (IC) and the thickness of the surrounding buccal and palatal bone walls were measured. Implants were categorized as having an exposed implant surface, thin bone, or moderate/thick bone. Measurements were repeated for regular-/narrow-diameter and parallel/tapered implants. A total of 60 patients were included, and 240 implants (60 of each type: 3.3-bone level [BL], 3.3-bone level tapered [BLT], 4.1-BL, and 4.1-BLT) were planned. The percentages of implants with between 0 and 0.5 mm of remaining bone in the coronal aspect of the IC were 31.6% for 4.1-BL/BLT and 6.6% for 3.3-BL/BLT (P < .001). The percentage of implants with IC exposure was 13.3% for 4.1-BL/BLT and 6.6% for 3.3-BL/BLT (P < .001). The frequency of sites that required bone augmentation at the coronal facial aspect (< 1 mm) was 52.6% and 33.9% for 4.1-BL/BLT and 3.3-BL/BLT, respectively. At the apical portion, the percentages of sites requiring bone augmentation at the facial aspect were 59.9%, 49.9%, 31.6%, and 23.3% for 4.1-BL, 3.3-BL, 4.1-BLT, and 3.3-BLT, respectively (P < .001). The proximity of the nasopalatine canal is often < 0.5 mm from regular-diameter virtually planned implants at the most coronal aspect in the maxillary central incisor position. In these situations, the selection of narrowdiameter implants significantly lowers the incidence of implant exposure and the need for additional management of the nasopalatine canal and also results in greater residual buccal and lingual bone thicknesses surrounding the implant. As expected, tapered implants reduced the risk of implant exposure through the buccal cortex at the apical aspect.

Relationship of anteroposterior position of maxillary central incisors with the forehead in an adult Iranian subpopulation: A cross-sectional study

This study aimed to assess the relationship of the anteroposterior position of maxillary central incisors with the forehead in an Iranian subpopulation residing in Kermanshah city. In this cross-sectional study, 12 orthodontists were requested to analyse full-smile profile photographs with complete maxillary incisor and forehead show in 70 patients with optimal facial harmony (35 males and 35 females) as the control group and 140 patients without optimal facial harmony (70 males and 70 females) as the test group. The inclusion criteria were (I) males and females between 18-60 years seeking orthodontic treatment and (II) willingness for participation in the study. The exclusion criteria were (I) presence of severe craniofacial anomalies, and (II) history of orthodontic treatment. The photographs were traced and analysed using Digimizer Image Analysis software 5.3.5. Data were analysed using STATA version 14.2 via independent t-test and linear regression. A significant difference existed in the anteroposterior position of maxillary incisors in males between the test and control groups (P=0.002). However, this difference was not significant in females of the two groups (P=0.77). A significant difference was noted in the anteroposterior position of maxillary incisors between males and females in the test group (P=0.001) but not in the control group (P=0.80). The frontal angle had a significant correlation with gender and anteroposterior position of maxillary incisors in both groups (P<0.001). According to the results, the anteroposterior position of maxillary incisors was significantly different in the test and control groups. The maxillary incisors in males were more retruded than in females. Also, the frontal angle had a significant correlation with the anteroposterior position of maxillary incisors, and by 1° increase in the frontal angle, the incisors were protruded by averagely 0.307mm.

A Novel Device to Measure the Optimal Position of Central Incisors in Anteroposterior Dimension Clinically: “P” Device

Facial esthetic has always been a concern for humans for ages. The anteroposterior (AP) position of central incisors plays a key role in building facial esthetic in a smiling profile view. There have been various cephalometric, profilometric, and photographic methods used in the past to assess and predict the AP position of maxillary incisors in their optimal esthetic position. Our new device will help to predict, assess, and measure the optimal AP position of maxillary central incisors clinically using the glabella as a landmark.

Does the vertical position of maxillary central incisors in men influence smile esthetics perception?

The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is any influence on the perception of smile esthetics among orthodontists and laypersons, with regard to different vertical positions of the maxillary central incisors. Frontal smile photographs digitally altered at full-face view and close-up view of 2 adult men aged between 20 and 30years were used. Six vertical positions of the central incisors were created, with changes of 0.5mm. The images were randomly assembled in an album that was presented to 53 orthodontists and 53 laypersons, who evaluated the attractiveness of the images by using visual analog scales. Comparison among the images was performed using 1-way analysis of variance, with Tukey post-hoc test. To compare the distribution of the mean scores between the full-face and close-up smile views, and between orthodontists and laypersons, the Student t test was used. The level of significance was established at 5%. The best evaluations presented the following: (a) the gingival margins of the central incisors corresponded to, or were up to, 1mm below the line of the canine gingival margins, and (b) the incisal step between the central and lateral incisors was from 1.0 to 2.0mm. The smiles considered least attractive showed (a) the central incisor gingival margins were 1.0mm above or 1.5mm below the canine gingival margins, and (b) no step, or a step of 2.5mm, between the central and lateral incisors. The results of this study suggested that, in men, slightly extruded central incisors were esthetically more attractive than intruded incisors.

Perception of occlusal plane that is nonparallel to interpupillary and commissural lines but with the maxillary dental midline ideally positioned

Statement of problemHow disparities in parallelism between the occlusal plane and the interpupillary (IP) or commissural facial front lines are perceived is unclear. PurposeThe purpose of this observational study was to examine the perceptions of laypersons, dental students, and dentists regarding disparities of the anterior occlusal plane (AOP) and posterior occlusal plane (POP) with respect to the IP and commissural line (CL) with the maxillary dental midline ideally positioned. Material and methodsA model of a symmetric female face was digitally created with the IP and CL parallel and the facial midline coincident with the maxillary dental midline. Two groups of images were created, one with the POP modified in 1-degree increments, in which both the maxillary dental midline and the position of the maxillary central incisors were not manipulated, and the other with the POP modified in the same increments but with the position of both maxillary central incisors lengthened to follow the inclination of the occlusal plane. Participants (N=312) were asked to rate the images on a 1-to-6 scale. The Kruskal-Wallis medians test and ordinal logistic regression were used to analyze the ratings. ResultsGroup median ratings for different occupations gradually decreased with increased inclination of the occlusal plane. Significant differences were found for inclinations from 2 to 5 degrees. Significant odd ratios were found for age and sex. ConclusionsDental professionals detected smaller POP disparities. The dentist and dental student groups gave lower ratings in proportion to the amount of POP inclination. Laypersons gave lower ratings only after 3 degrees of POP inclination but still graded all the images as esthetically pleasant. Older people and men tended to give higher ratings to the same image.

Comparison between Steiner cephalometric and modified Andrews photometric method for assessing antero-posterior position of the maxillary central incisors.

Introduction/Objective. Maxillary incisors, when exposed during smile, are one of the most important facial features. In an attempt to overcome limitations of standard cephalometric methods, Andrews described an approach to determine ideal anteroposterior (AP) position of maxillary central incisors in smiling profile in relation to the forehead. We compared traditional Steiner cephalometric method, using surrounding skeletal landmarks, to the method proposed by Andrews, with the aim of determining whether distant but very noticeable craniofacial structures can affect our impression of tooth position. Methods. The study comprised 90 randomly selected lateral cephalograms, divided into three groups according to maxillary central incisors AP position according to Steiner cephalometric norms. The AP relationship of the maxillary central incisors was measured as a perpendicular distance from facial axis point to the nasion A line and to the vertical line through forehead facial axis point respectively. Student?s t-test and Pearson?s correlation were used to compare tested variables. Results. There was statistically significant difference between two methods (p = 0.01108). According to the Steiner method 46.67% subjects had retrusive incisors and 53.33% subjects had protrusion. Andrews?s method showed different results; 35.56% subjects had retrusion, while 64.4% had protrusion. Conclusion. The method proposed by Andrews showed consistently more protrusion than the traditional cephalometric method according to Steiner. Slightly retruded position of maxillary central incisors according to Steiner analysis does not always imply poor facial esthetics, if they have favorable position to the forehead. Low levels of correlation indicate that we should never rely on just one set of parameters.

Anteroposterior relationship of maxillary central incisor to forehead: A photographic study

BackgroundEvaluating the face in profile is an integral part of a complete orthodontic diagnosis. The addition of a lateral smiling profile photograph in addition to frontal smiling one is necessary to enable judgment of the distance from the facial axis (FA) point of the maxillary central incisor to that of the forehead. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the anteroposterior relationship of maxillary central incisors to the forehead in adult women having good facial harmony (control sample) with those seeking orthodontic treatment (study sample) in the North Indian population. MethodsFifty printed facial photographic images of adult women (18–25 years of age) with optimum facial balance and those seeking orthodontic treatment were obtained. All smiling profile images had the maxillary central incisors and the forehead in full view. Reference lines were drawn to measure the anteroposterior positions of the maxillary central incisors as well as forehead inclinations. ResultsThe most esthetic position of maxillary central incisor, somewhere at or between forehead facial axis (FFA) and glabella, was observed in 82% of the control sample, whereas only 14% of study subjects exhibited it. Most of the study group subjects (58%) showed posteriorly positioned maxillary central incisors to the FFA point. ConclusionsTreatment goals for adult women should include the maxillary central incisor position to be somewhere at or between the FFA point and glabella and correlated with forehead inclination.

Evaluation of the Relationship between Incisal Edge Position of Maxillary Central Incisors and Incisive Papilla in Patients Referred to Prosthodontics Department of Tabriz Dental Faculty

Background and Aims: Teeth position is an important component in a facial esthetic. Distance between incisive papilla and incisal edge of the maxillary centrals is a stable landmark in reconstruction anterior teeth of maxilla. Therefore in this study, we tried to establish this index in patients who recourse to the fixed prosthodontics dentistry faculty of Tabriz. Materials and Methods: The initial samples consisted of 59 patients referred to prosthodontics department of Tabriz dental faculty and took upper jaw impressions with irreversible hydrocolloid. Then, records poured by moldana stone until 15 minutes and needed anatomical spots were highlighted. The horizontal distance from anterior part on incisal edge of the maxillary centrals to anterior border, center and posterior border of incisive papillae were measured and statistically inspected. Results: The mean distance between the most anterior point of the incisal edge of the maxillary central incisors and the middle point, anterior border and posterior border of the incisive papilla was 8.54 ,7.12,10.28 mm with standard deviations of 0.83,0.75,1.002 mm. Conclusions: The usefulness of the incisive papilla as a reference point is limited because of the migration and change of shape it has been shown to undergo. However, it may serve some purpose because it is an easy measurement to make. Although the clinical findings may not always be true, but in many cases there is a close relationship. Key words : Teeth; incisive papilla; maxilla; occlusal plane;

A comparative study to evaluate the vertical position of maxillary central incisor and canine in relation to incisive papilla line.

Objectives:The aim of the study was to determine the vertical distance of maxillary central incisor (CI) and maxillary canine (CA) from the incisive papilla (IP) line and their variation with age and sex.Materials and Methods:A total of 120 dentulous subjects following the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly selected from the local population. On the basis of gender and age, subjects were divided into four groups: Ma, Mb, Fa and Fb . Maxillary impressions of selected subjects were made and corresponding casts were retrieved. The cast was positioned on the surveyor and the center of IP was transferred to the labial side of maxillary right CI and CA regions with the help of analyzing rod of the surveyor and a line was drawn in this region which was referred to as “IP line”. The measurements were made from the IP line to the mesio-incisal line angle of right maxillary CI-IP and cusp tip of right maxillary CA with the help of digital vernier caliper (CA to IP).Result:The mean vertical distance of maxillary CI-IP ranged from 6.31 ± 0.74 mm to 7.04 ± 0.87 mm and the mean vertical distance of maxillary CA-IP ranged from 5.83 ± 0.80 mm to 6.30 ± 0.82 mm.Conclusion:The CA position in relation to the IP line is more stable to its position than the CI position irrespective of age and sex.

Influence of the Vertical Position of Maxillary Central Incisors on the Perception of Smile Esthetics Among Orthodontists and Laypersons

The purpose of this study was to determine the perception of smile esthetics among orthodontists and laypeople with respect to different upper central incisor vertical positions in a frontal smile analysis. A frontal close-up smile photo of an adult Caucasian woman was selected. The patient had healthy upper anterior dentition and had no history of orthodontic treatment. Images were altered in order to create six different central incisor vertical positions in 0.5-mm increments. All images were assessed in three different views: full smile, gingival close-up excluding incisal edges, and incisal close-up excluding gingival margins. Images were randomly assembled in an album, which was given to 120 judges: 60 orthodontists and 60 laypersons. Each rater was asked to evaluate the attractiveness of the images using the visual analog scale. The data collected were then statistically analyzed. The highest rated smiles showed two notable characteristics: the central-to-lateral incisal step was 1.5 mm; and the central incisor gingival margins matched the laterals, and both were 0.5 mm below the line of the canine gingival margins. The least attractive smile was the one with no step between the centrals and laterals, and with the central incisor gingival margins 1.0 mm above the canine gingival margins. The results of this study indicate that slightly extruded upper central incisors are more esthetically preferred than intruded. The upper central incisors are the key determinant in evaluating smile esthetics, and thus, the assessment of their ideal vertical positioning is an aspect of paramount importance.

Anteroposterior relationship of the maxillary central incisors to the forehead in adult white males

To evaluate and compare the anteroposterior relationship of the maxillary central incisors to the forehead in white male adults with harmonious profiles and white male adult orthodontic patients. Photographs of 101 white male adults with good facial harmony (control sample) were compared with photographs of 97 white male adults seeking orthodontic treatment (study sample). All were profile images with the maxillary central incisors and foreheads in full view. The images were imported into an image editing software program, resized, and rotated to the upright head position. Reference lines were constructed to assess the anteroposterior positions of the maxillary central incisors and forehead inclinations. In the control sample, the maxillary central incisors were positioned between the forehead facial axis (FFA) point and glabella in 91%, posterior to the FFA point in 8%, and anterior to the glabella in <1%. The position of the maxillary central incisors was moderately correlated with forehead inclination (r² = 0.37). In the study sample, the maxillary central incisors were positioned between the FFA point and glabella in 34%, posterior to the FFA point in 59%, and anterior to the glabella in 7%. Maxillary central incisor position and forehead inclination were strongly correlated (r² = 0.53). The anteroposterior maxillary incisor position relative to the forehead between the control and study groups was significantly different (P < .0001). In addition, the forehead inclination between the control and study group was significantly different (P < .05). The forehead is an important landmark for anteroposterior maxillary incisor positioning for adult white male patients seeking improved facial harmony.

Assessing the AP Position of Maxillary Central Incisor using Forehead: A Smiling Profile Photographic Study

Aim: To evaluate and compare the anteroposterior position of permanent maxillary central incisor in profile in relation to the forehead inclination and prominence in adult (18-25 years) females of Maharashtra population. Materials and methods: The control sample ( N = 100) consisted of adult females (18-25 years of age) with optimum facial balance showing a pleasing profile compared with study sample (100 adult female patients of 18-25 years) seeking orthodontic treatment. All smiling profile images had the maxillary central incisors and the forehead in full view. The images were adjusted and rotated to the upright head position. Reference lines were drawn to measure the anteroposterior positions of the maxillary central incisors as well as forehead inclinations. Results: Strong correlation exists between positions of maxillary central incisor relative to forehead inclination in control group. In study group it is insignificant. It means that if position of maxillary central incisor relative to ‘forehead’s facial axis (FFA) point’ changes the forehead inclination also changes. The most esthetic maxillary central incisor position between FFA point and glabella was highest in the control sample (94%). Conclusion: The forehead is a useful landmark for assessing the facial profile for adult Maharashtra females as it relates to A-P maxillary central incisor position. Smiling profile photograph can be useful additional diagnostic tool for determining esthetic position of maxillary central incisors in the face.

Lip-to-incisor Relationship and Postorthodontic Long-term Stability of Cover-bite Treatment

To investigate the impact of a persisting high lip line and other potential relapse-inducing factors on long-term stability of orthodontic correction of retroinclined maxillary central incisors. Thirty-one cover-bite ("Deckbiss") patients with retroinclined maxillary central incisors and a deep frontal overbite were evaluated. The maxillary central incisor inclination was determined odontometrically with study models made pretreatment, posttreatment, and at a follow-up examination (mean posttherapeutic interval: 9.0 years). The lip-to-incisor relationship, the interincisal angle, and the anteroposterior maxillary central incisor position were measured on lateral cephalograms taken after active treatment. The relapse tendency of the orthodontic correction of the retroinclined maxillary central incisors displayed great interindividual variability with a range of posttherapeutic inclination change of -6.75 degrees to +8.00 degrees. Multiple regression analysis revealed an increased tendency for relapse in patients with (1) a high posttherapeutic (dorsal) lip line level combined with the maxillary central incisor and lower lip contact only in the incisal crown area (P < .01) and (2) a marked therapeutically induced inclination change of the maxillary central incisors (P < .05). Interrelations between the relapse of the corrected maxillary central incisors and other evaluated parameters were not statistically significant. For maximum treatment stability, the elimination of an excessive overlap of the upper incisors by the lower lip should be regarded as one of the most important therapeutic objectives when treating this malocclusion.

The influence of maxillary central incisor position in complete dentures on /s/ sound production

Statement of problem. The insertion of prosthodontic restorations often leads to speech defects, most of which are transient but nevertheless a source of concern to the patient. For the dental practitioner, there are few guidelines on designing a prosthetic restoration with maximum phonetic success. Purpose. This study investigated the effect of different maxillary central incisor positions on phonetic patterns. Material and methods. The inclination angle of central incisor blocks in duplicate complete maxillary dentures was changed in a range of −30 degrees to +30 degrees from the original position (0 degrees). Test words and sentences were acoustically analyzed. Spectral parameters such as first peak, noise band (defined by upper and lower limits of the most intensively blackened frequency area), Fast Fourier Transformation power spectrum, energy spectrum, and time were investigated. Influences of oral stereognosis, hearing, and age as cofactors on /s/ articulation were also taken into account. Results. The change of incisor block angle in both directions usually caused a poorer execution of the /s/ sound. The labial angulation seemed to have a greater effect than the palatal angulation. The most significant changes were those in the noise band and energy spectrum. Conclusion. Immediate phonetic adaptation of prosthetic restorations in the maxillary incisor region can be achieved only if the original position of the natural teeth is transferred to the denture. Although these misarticulations are, in most cases, likely to disappear within a few weeks, they may persist and even lead to psychosocial problems. A better understanding of the causes of misarticulation and the limits of adaptation according to certain morphologic parameters of dentures is important. (J Prosthet Dent 2001;85:485-95.)