Predicting central incisor length from the incisive papilla in a multiethnic Northern Nigerian population

Background: Personalization of complete dentures (CDs) may improve their acceptance by patients. This study sought to develop an individualized predictive model for central incisor length in CDs based on the relationship of the incisive papilla with central incisors. Methods: Seventy-three adult participants were included in the study. The vertical distance (VD) and horizontal distance (HD) from the incisive papilla to the central incisor margins and the mean crown heights (CHs) of both central incisors were determined and recorded along with potential confounders. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to develop a best-fit model equation for predicting the CH from the VD and HD. Results: Thirty-seven males and 36 females (mean age: 33.4 ± 7.8 years) participated in the study. The ovoid arch form (61.6%) was the most common, whereas the square-shaped arch form (4.1%) was the least common. The mean CH, HD, and VD were 10.12 ± 1.02 mm, 10.64 ± 1.36 mm, and 8.00 ± 1.19 mm, respectively. Further, 49% of CH variability (Model 1) was explained by HD (b = 0.61, t = 7.02, P < 0.001) and VD (b = 0.29, t = 3.29, P = 0.002). Participant sex (Model 2) explained another 3% CH variability (b =0.18, t = 2.09, P = 0.04). The predictive equation from Model 2 was CH (mm) = 3.28+ (0.46 × HD) + (0.22 × VD) +0.37 × participant sex. Conclusion: The central incisor CH can be predicted with 52% accuracy using the equation CH (mm) =3.28 + (0.46 × HD) + (0.22 × VD) + 0.37 × participant sex. This finding may aid the fabrication of more individualized dentures.