ABSTRACT
AIM: Analyse the correlation between the measurements made from the landmarks on the cast and the width of the anterior teeth in dentulous study subjects and assessed whether a similar correlation exists in edentulous condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Measurements were made on the cast of dentulous and edentulous subjects. The measurements made were, from incisive papilla to the right hamular notch, from incisiv e papilla to left hamular notch and distance between two hamular notches. After measuring these distances, the predicted value was calculated by taking mean of these three distances. The actual value in both the groups was measured with a flexible ruler. The mean and standard deviation of both groups were calculated. Results were analyzed with correlation and regression analysis. RESULTS: The analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between actual and predicted values in both dentulous and edentulous group of study subjects (p-value <0.01). As the actual value increased in both the groups, the predicted value also increased. So the actual value can be derived with the help of predicted value which will be useful in selecting the proper tooth mold size of the maxillary teeth for edentulous patients. CONCLUSION: A positive correlation exists between the width of the maxillary teeth (actual value) and mean of the distance (predicted value) between the right hamular notch and incisive papilla, left hamular notch and incisive papilla and interhamular distance in dentate subjects. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The results obtained from the present study will be helpful for selecting the proper teeth mold size along with other teeth selection methods. Further studies are required to derive a more scientific and reliable method for anterior teeth selection.
