Ridge contour related to esthetics and function

Maxillary anterior fixed prostheses may be compromised when pontics are adapted to deficient residual alveolar ridges. This study determined the effect of ridge contour on esthetics and function. Thirteen men and 17 women, 23 to 75 years of age, who had received maxillary anterior fixed prostheses during the period 1976 to 1986 participated. A six-item structured interview was conducted for each subject to determine causes of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with esthetics and function. Pontic esthetics were also determined by examination using a 12-point esthetic index that was developed and pretested for this study. Residual ridge contour was classified according to Siebert as being deficient buccolingually (I), deficient apicocoronally (II), or deficient in both areas in combination (III). The results showed that patients with class I ridges had a higher subjective level of satisfaction with their prosthesis than did those with class II or III ridges. Esthetic index scores were significantly higher (p less than 0.05) for type I (10) than for type II (7.4) or III (7.3) using a post hoc Scheffé comparison. These results suggest that consideration be given to ridge augmentation prior to construction of maxillary anterior fixed prostheses, particularly when class II or III defects are present.