Changes in the facial profile following insertion of complete dentures.

The effect of the topography of prostheses on the facial profile is poorly understood. This study was undertaken to identify changes in the facial profile, following insertion of dentures. The maxillary denture produced a more dominant effect than the mandibular, the greatest change affecting the philtrum and lips. The evidence also supports the concept that the tip of the upper incisors supports the lower lip. The actual length of facial tissues between selected landmarks in the midline did not change measurably following insertion of dentures in the rest position. A relationship between soft tissue shift and the known thickness of denture base was found for three landmarks, however, it was not possible to predict the size of these changes for other thicknesses of denture base with confidence.