Factors that influence use of the incisive papilla as reference to maxillary anterior tooth positions

Abstract

Objective: To describe some factors that may influence the use of the incisive papilla as reference to maxillary anterior tooth positions.

Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.

Setting: The Department of Conservative and Prosthetic Dentistry, School of Dental Sciences, University of Nairobi.

Results: 112 maxillary casts generated from participants aged 18-35 years, with well aligned arches were studied. The distance from the posterior limit of the incisive papilla and the most labial aspect of maxillary central incisor (pap11) did not vary with the gender, facial profile, or somatotype. There was a weak correlation between pap11 and age. Pap11 varied with arch form. There was weak correlation between age and the distance from the posterior margin of the incisive papilla to the inter-canine line (papintcan). There was no variation in the relationship between papintcan and gender, facial profile or somatotype. Papintcan varied with the arch form. There was no variation in the inter-canine width with age, facial profile or somatotype. There were correlations between the inter-canine width and papintcan, between the intercanine width and pap11, and between papintcan and pap11.

Conclusion: Arch form is a significant factor to consider while using incisive papilla as reference to maxillary anterior tooth positions. Age, gender, facial profile and somatotype have no effect on the relationship between the incisive papilla and maxillary anterior teeth.