Selection of the width of the maxillary six anteriors

This article describes an expeditious method to aid in the selection of the combined width of the maxillary six anteriors. A measurement is made on the maxillary cast, from the crest of one pterygomaxillary notch straight across to that on the opposite side of the arch. This number, in millimeters, is used to search a tooth mould chart to find a mould, of the proper facial form, with this approximate combined width when measured laid flat. If the chart shows the measurement on the curve, 5 mm must be added to the notch measurement before referring to the chart. A mould close to this measurement or one that is either one size wider or narrower may be used, based on one's clinical judgement, and the desire of the patient. A survey of 50 consecutive clinical cases showed that when using the notch measurement method 78 percent of the selections were the same or within one mould size of that selected by other techniques. This method is not satisfactory in all situations and more time consuming procedures must then be used.