A biometric comparison of face shape with denture tooth form

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Prosthodontics
• Biometrics

Background:

• Dentist and patient preferences guide the selection of replacement teeth in prosthodontics.
• Current methods utilize facial shape and inverted tooth form classifications (e.g., square, ovoid, tapered).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the accuracy of denture tooth selection based on facial form and tooth mold classifications.
• To compare the dimensions of denture tooth molds with the actual set denture teeth used in prosthodontics.

Main Methods:

• Six patients (3 male, 3 female) with distinct facial forms (square, ovoid, tapered) were selected.
• Three sets of dentures with different tooth shapes were fabricated for each patient.
• Standardized photography and digital analysis of facial and tooth dimensions were performed.

Main Results:

• A highly significant difference (P < 0.001) was observed between denture tooth molds and the actual set denture teeth.
• Significant differences (P < 0.001) were found when comparing facial widths (temporal, zygomatic, gonial) with denture tooth widths (incisal, contact, cervical).

Conclusions:

• Standard denture tooth molds do not accurately represent the dimensions of the final set teeth used in prosthodontics.
• Facial form analysis and denture tooth dimensions show significant discrepancies, questioning current selection methods.