Relationship between pterygomaxillary notches and maxillary anterior teeth.

PURPOSE: Selection of the appropriate size of maxillary anterior teeth in complete dentures may be difficult, as there is no universally accepted method that can be used reliably. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between the total mesiodistal width of the six maxillary anterior teeth and the interpterygomaxillary notch distance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and ten maxillary impressions were made on dental students (67 women, 43 men; 19 to 22 years old) using stock tray and irreversible hydrocolloid impression material. The mesiodistal width of the six maxillary anterior teeth and the distance of the interpterygomaxillary notch were measured by digital caliper on stone casts (on two separate occasions by two independent observers). The results were analyzed using correlation regression tests. RESULTS: The mean mesiodistal width of the six maxillary anterior teeth was 46.02 (+/-2.8) mm, and the mean distance of the interpterygomaxillary notch was 42.38 (+/-3.47) mm. A significant correlation was found between mesiodistal width of the maxillary anterior teeth and the interpterygomaxillary notch distance (p= 0.003; r = 0.28). Standardized coefficient was found to be low (28%) to predict the appropriate size of maxillary anterior teeth. CONCLUSION: Total mesiodistal width of the maxillary anterior teeth correlated with the distance between pterygomaxillary notches; however, measurement of the interpterygomaxillary notch could not be used for tooth selection reliably due to the low standardized coefficient. Within the limitations of this study, the interpterygomaxillary notch distance is not useful for the selection of six maxillary anterior teeth in edentulous patients.

Efficacy of a modified mandibular advancement device for a totally edentulous patient with severe obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND: It has been asserted that the success rate of oral appliances was more satisfactory for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) than severe ones; besides, there is a lack of literature about mandibular advancement device (MAD) application for edentulous patients with OSA. REPORT: This clinical case shows fabrication method and treatment efficacy of a modified MAD, which is aiming to displace bulky masseter muscles laterally, to provide more space for tongue on totally edentulous patient with severe OSA.

Investigation of Vertical Distance between Incisive Papilla and Incisal Edge of Maxillary Central Incisors.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to determine the vertical distance between maxillary central incisors and incisive papilla. METHODS: The vertical distance between incisal edges of maxillary central incisors and the centre of the incisive papilla was measured by a digital caliper on the stone casts that were obtained from dentate subjects. RESULTS: The mean vertical distance between maxillary central incisors and incisive papilla on the stone casts was 6.70+/-0.81 mm. The vertical distance range was 5.51 mm to 8.89 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical relevance of this study lies in application to complete denture construction. The dentist and laboratory technician can be use the results of this study as a guideline in fabrication of maxillary occlusal rims and in determination of the position of the occlusal plane with the reference of other anatomical landmarks together. However, the wax rim should be modified intraorally to incorporate individual characteristics and the anterior tooth should be arranged on modified wax rim.