Relationship between maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth width to the length of index and little finger in males and females: a comparative study

The primary consideration for patients seeking prosthodontic treatment is esthetics. The esthetic restoration has an important psychological effect on the edentulous patient. When anterior teeth are selected for completely edentulous subjects, the mesiodistal width of the maxillary central incisors is important because they are the most prominent teeth in the arch when viewed from the frontal aspect. Various modalities have been suggested for selecting the size of the anterior teeth like inter-alar distance, inter-canthal distance, bi-zygomatic width, intercanine width.The anthropometric measurements like finger length can serve as a basic guide in estimating the size of anterior teeth in males and females when no pre-extraction records are available. Methodology: For the study middle aged group (30- 45yrs) participants were selected based on the inclusion criteria. An impression of both the arches were made using irreversible hydrocolloid impression material. The measurements of the index and little finger were recorded. Results: A significant correlation between the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth width with length of index and little finger was found which can be related as (K1 × Index finger length – K2) and (R1×Little finger length – R2). Information regarding average tooth dimensions, when considered with length of index and little fingers, and the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth, may help guide prosthodontists to impart a dental appearance that is harmonious with overall facial esthetics.