The Distances Between the Facial and Palatal Papillae in the Maxillary Anterior Dentition

This study examined the distances between the facial and palatal papillae (DFPP) in the maxillary anterior dentition. A total of 360 filled interdental papillae in 72 study models were examined (Group A: 36 young patients, Group B: 36 adult patients). The DFPP was measured directly on alginate impressions. In Group A, the average DFPP was 1.27 ± 0.6, 1.53 ± 0.42, and 1.83 ± 0.56 mm between the central incisors (CI-CI), central and lateral incisors (CI-LI), and lateral incisor and canine (LI-CA), respectively. In Group B, the respective average DFPPs were 1.3 ± 0.83, 1.38 ± 0.68, and 1.62 ± 0.58 mm. Within the limits of the present study, the average distances between the facial and palatal papillae seem to be useful for setting the proximal contact position.