Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
Measuring Maxillary Posterior Tooth Movement: A Model Assessment using Palatal and Dental Superimposition
Published on: February 23, 2024
Papilla proportions in the maxillary anterior dentition
Stephen J Chu1, Dennis P Tarnow, Jocelyn H P Tan
1Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, New York, USA. schudmd@aol.com
Abstract:
Two hundred forty interdental papilla sites in 20 healthy patients were investigated. Interdental papilla heights of maxillary anterior teeth were measured from the gingival zenith, along with clinical crown lengths. Percentages of papilla height to crown length were computed and defined as papilla proportion, mesial papilla proportion (MPP), and distal papilla proportion (DPP). Mean interdental papilla heights of maxillary anterior teeth were 4 mm mesially and 4.1 mm distally. Mean MPP was 42% (n = 120), and mean DPP was 43% (n = 120). No significant differences were found between MPP and DPP for maxillary incisors (P >/= .5). Canines demonstrated a trend toward increased distal papilla heights. Papilla proportions were approximately 40% for all tooth groups. A more apical position of distal papilla heights from anterior to posterior teeth, mentioned in the literature, was not confirmed by the present data.
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