Incisive papilla and positions of maxillary anterior teeth among Kenyans of African descent

Abstract

Objective: To describe the relationship between the incisive papilla and the maxillary anterior teeth among Kenyans of African descent.

Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over six months.

Setting: The Department of Conservative and Prosthetic Dentistry, School of Dental Sciences, University of Nairobi.

Subjects: One hundred and twelve students of African descent studying at the College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Kenya.

Results: One hundred and twelve maxillary casts generated from participants aged 18-35 years (mean age 22.39±2.00 years), with well aligned arches were studied. The maxillary central incisor exhibited a mean of 14.93±1.52mm from the posterior limit of the incisive papilla while the inter-canine line scored a mean of 4.73±1.73mm anterior to the most posterior limit of the incisive papilla. The mean inter-canine width was 35.44±1.79mm.

Conclusion: This study brings out salient unique features in the relationship between the incisive papilla and maxillary anterior teeth among Kenyans of African descent, which may guide placement of maxillary central incisors and canines during complete denture construction.