Correlation of the mesio-distal width of base of the philtrum to the combined mesio-distal width of the maxillary central incisors in dakshin kannada population-an in vivo study

Aims and Objective: To correlate the mesio-distal width of base of the philtrum to the combined mesio-distal width of the maxillary central incisors in males and females. Materials and Methods: A total of 70 individuals who were native of Dakshina Kannada region with an age ranging from 19 - 23 years male and females were selected for this study. Two most prominent points were marked at base of philtrum. These points were marked by drawing a line along the vertical ridge of philtrum and marking a point where they meet the vermillion border of upper lip. The width between these two points were measured by vernier calipers to the fraction of 1/10th of a millimetre. After doing a brief oral examination, proper size perforated rim lock stock tray was selected. Alginate impression powder was mixed with water and maxillary and mandibular impressions were made and the casts were poured immediately. Base was made for the casts and the casts thus obtained were mounted at maximum intercuspation. Dial vernier caliper (with 0.01 mm accuracy) was used for the cast measurements. The measurements were obtained from the patient and also on the dentulous cast in mm, average value was tabulated and analyzed statistically. Results: There was highly significant correlation (p<0.001 & r= 0.831) between mean width of base of the philtrum and the combined width of maxillary central incisors in both the sexes. Conclusion: There is correlation between the mesio-distal width of base of the philtrum to the combined mesio-distal width of maxillary central incisors among males and females which can be used as a guide for selecting the width of artificial maxillary central incisors among Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka population.