Anatomic landmarks in the maxilla for guidance of anterior prosthetic teeth positioning

Abstract

Objectives: To obtain data supporting the establishment of bony anatomical parameters to guide the proper arrangement of anterior artificial teeth in the maxilla. Methods: A total of 60 skulls with all permanent anterior teeth, Angle Class I molar relationship, overjet and overbite of up to 3 mm, and alignment between the maxillary central incisors were selected. Three measurements were obtained: (A) distance from the labial surface of the maxillary central incisors to the incisive foramen (IF) posterior wall, (B) distance from the IF posterior wall to the distal portion of the posterior nasal spine, and (C) width of the maxillary central incisors. Pearson’s correlation test was applied to evaluate the correlations between the obtained measurements. The two-way analysis of variance was used to assess the influence of age and sex on measurements. Results: There was no correlation between the distances A and B, or between B and C, and only a weak correlation was noted between measurements A and C. Age and sex did not interfere with the results of the measurements. Distance A exhibited a relatively constant value of 15 mm. Conclusions: It was not possible to establish a mathematical correlation between the distance from the labial surface of the maxillary central incisors to the IF and the distance from the IF posterior wall to the posterior nasal spine. The 15-mm distance from the central incisors to the IF posterior wall could be an additional parameter to guide anteroposterior positioning of the maxillary anterior artificial teeth in cases of prosthetic rehabilitation.