Is incisive papilla a good landmark to predict clinical outcomes and the esthetic perceptions of edentulous patients treated with implant-supported fixed prostheses on maxillae?

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effect of incisive papilla on esthetic ratings and lip support for patients who are treated with implant-supported ?xed prostheses on edentulous maxillae. Materials and Methods: A study population of 118 patients with maxillomandibular edentulism was identi?ed. A self-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate treatment outcomes through a patient perspective. Also, clinical factors such as smile line, maxillary resorption, incisive papilla position, and lip support were evaluated. Results: Lip support has a signi?cant effect on the facial esthetic scores of patients, while smile line and incisive papilla localization have not had a proven statistically signi?cant effect on esthetic and facial esthestic scores of patients treated with implant-supported ?xed prostheses on maxillae. Conclusion: Although the patients were diagnosed with disadvantageous clinical factors such as crestally localized incisive papilla, they still noted higher esthetic scores with their ?xed prostheses. Factors that affect the esthetic perception of patients or their priorities should be investigated more to understand the reasons for patient satisfaction with prostheses.