The relationship of the incisive papilla to the maxillary central incisors and canine teeth in southern Chinese.

A photographic technique was used to measure anatomic landmarks located on dental casts. The relationship of the maxillary anterior teeth to the incisive papilla in a Southern Chinese population living in Hong Kong was studied. The distances from the labial surface of the central incisors to the midpoint and the posterior border of the incisive papilla were measured. The area on the incisive papilla where the intercanine line crossed was noted. The data obtained were compared with those from previous studies of Caucasians. Results show that there is little difference between the Southern Chinese in this study and most other ethnic groups. The guidelines that use the incisive papilla as a reference for the setting of artificial teeth in denture construction recommended for Caucasians can be applied to Southern Chinese patients.