Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different occlusal vertical dimensions (OVD) and labiolingual positions of artificial anterior teeth (LLP) on facial esthetic evaluation and to identify the related factors that affect the esthetics of the facial profile.
Methods: Ten edentulous patients were fitted with the following dentures with varying OVD (group A), and nine dentures with varying OVD and LLP (group B). Facial pictures of each of the subjects with dentures were taken from three angles (frontal, 45-degrees oblique to the right, and right lateral), and presented to 20 panelists (dentists) for esthetic evaluation. Each panelist selected two pictures at each angle that looked old and natural, respectively. A score of 2 was then assigned to the picture that was selected first and a score of 1 to the picture that was selected second; the scores across the panelists were then totaled to obtain the "old" and "natural" scores for each denture at each angle. Multiple comparisons were performed with the scores for criterion dentures serving as the control.
Results: When the OVD was −3 mm, a significant increase in the "old" score was noted. When the OVD was 0 mm and LLP was −2 mm, significant differences in both the "old" and "natural" scores were noted. When both OVD and LLP were changed, changes in the angle of photography produced different results.
Conclusion: Reduction of OVD and LLP displaced 2mm in lingual direction gave the face an unnatural and older appearance. The results of esthetic evaluation can be affected by the angle of photography.
