An analysis of nasolabial angles and their relevance to tooth position in the edentulous patient.

This study sought to determine a mean nasolabial angle for dentate subjects. An edentulous sample was also studied to determine if currently worn dentures restored the nasolabial angle to recommended values (90 degrees). Tracings and photographs of three groups of subjects were digitised and their nasolabial angles determined. The results indicated that the mean nasolabial angle for adult dentate subjects was 109.67 degrees and for edentulous subjects it was 96.20 degrees. The practice of routinely restoring the nasolabial angle to 90 degrees when prescribing complete dentures was considered, as was the possible use of photographs instead of radiographs in similar future studies.