The Lip-Tooth-Ridge Classification: A Guidepost for Edentulous Maxillary Arches. Diagnosis, Risk Assessment, and...

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Prosthodontics
• Oral Rehabilitation

Background:

• Rehabilitating an edentulous maxilla presents significant clinical challenges.
• Meticulous treatment planning is crucial for successful prosthetic outcomes in these cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel classification system, the Lip-Tooth-Ridge (LTR), for guiding treatment planning in the edentulous maxilla.
• To provide clinicians with a tool for determining final prosthetic design and assessing case-specific risks.

Main Methods:

• The Lip-Tooth-Ridge (LTR) classification system is presented as a novel approach.
• It involves assessing lip dynamics for esthetic risk (high esthetic risk - HER, low esthetic risk - LER).
• It evaluates prosthetic space availability for structural risk (high structural risk - HSR, low structural risk - LSR).

Main Results:

• The LTR system categorizes cases based on esthetic and structural risk factors.
• It offers a framework for differentiating treatment approaches for fixed or removable prostheses.
• This classification aids in identifying potential challenges and guiding prosthetic design.

Conclusions:

• The Lip-Tooth-Ridge (LTR) classification system provides a structured method for planning prosthetic rehabilitation of the edentulous maxilla.
• It facilitates risk assessment, enabling clinicians to tailor treatment strategies for improved outcomes.
• This novel tool enhances predictability in managing complex prosthetic cases.