The distances between the facial and palatal papillae in the maxillary anterior dentition.

Abstract

This study examined the distances between the facial and palatal papillae (DFPP) in the maxillary anterior dentition. A total of 360 filled interdental papillae in 72 study models were examined (Group A: 36 young patients, Group B: 36 adult patients). The DFPP was measured directly on alginate impressions. In Group A, the average DFPP was 1.27 ± 0.6, 1.53 ± 0.42, and 1.83 ± 0.56 mm between the central incisors (CI-CI), central and lateral incisors (CI-LI), and lateral incisor and canine (LI-CA), respectively. In Group B, the respective average DFPPs were 1.3 ± 0.83, 1.38 ± 0.68, and 1.62 ± 0.58 mm. Within the limits of the present study, the average distances between the facial and palatal papillae seem to be useful for setting the proximal contact position.