Residual alveolar ridge atrophy: classification and influence of facial morphology

A method for grading residual alveolar ridge atrophies of edentulous maxillae and mandible has been devised for men and women. Comparisons were made in women and in men between the degree of atrophy and the vertical facial morphology. The study suggests some relationship between the total facial height (TFH), the vertical facial type determined by the Frankfort horizontal mandibular plan (FMA), and the atrophy of the alveolar ridges, especially for the mandible. Certain practical applications of these findings were suggested.