Selection of artificial teeth Role of philtrum

Many attempts have been made to establish methods for estimating the width of artificial maxillary central incisors using anatomical landmarks, but one cannot depend on one particular method for this purpose. This study helps us to provide a guideline along with other methods for determining this relationship. The purpose of the study was to determine whether a relationship exists between the width of philtrum and mesio-distal width of maxillary central incisors in males and females for selection of anterior teeth. Width of philtrum was relatively less in females as compared to males.The combined mesio-distal width of maxillary central incisors was always greater than the width of philtrum in both the sex. The mean mesio-distal width of maxillary central incisor was 8.71mm and 8.72mm on right and left respectively in males. While in females the mean mesio-distal width of maxillary central incisor was 8.30mm on right and 8.28mm on left. The restoration of contour of philtrum is important esthetic requirement. The measurement of its width may provide a valuable guide in determination of the width of maxillary central incisor.