Investigating the maxillary buccal vestibule

Abstract

Background/purpose: Improper assessment of the maxillary buccal vestibular space can contribute to the fabrication of maxillary dentures with inadequate buccal flange extensions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a significant difference existed between the anatomic dimensions of the buccal vestibules and the corresponding buccal flanges of maxillary complete dentures in an edentulous population. Materials and methods: The anterior, middle, and posterior depth and width of the maxillary buccal vestibules in 100 randomly selected subjects were measured with a periodontal probe. Corresponding measurements of the buccal flanges of the subjects' existing dentures were recorded. The differences between buccal vestibule widths and depths and denture flange widths and lengths were statistically compared according to site. Results: The difference in the mean depth between the vestibules and the flanges in the posterior area (6.4 mm and 10.3 mm, respectively) was approximately 38% (P < 0.001). The difference in the mean width between the vestibules and the flanges in the posterior area (3.3 mm and 7.9 mm, respectively) was approximately 58% (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The study revealed statistically significant differences between the anatomic depth and width of the buccal vestibules and the corresponding flange dimensions of the existing dentures.

Keywords

• buccal flange
• maxillary buccal vestibule
• periodontal probe