The Depth of the Vestibular Fornix in the Mandibular Anterior Region in Health

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Abstract
Using a radiographic technique, the depth of the vestibular fornix in the lower anterior region was determined for 100 periodontally healthy subjects. The width of attached gingiva was measured clinically. The vestibule in the mandibular anterior region was found to be approximately uniform in depth for each individual from canine to canine, being reduced where there were frenal and muscle attachments. The depth, measured from the gingiva to mucobuccal fold, varied from 2.5 to 11.5 mm; and. measured from the crest of the lip to mucobuccal fold, varied from 10 to 29 mm. The proportion of the vestibule, measured from gingiva to mucobuccal fold, occupied by attached gingiva, varied from a mean of 34% in the canine region, to approximately 60% in the lateral incisor region, and to approximately 55% in the central incisor region. The minimum depth of the vestibule determined was 2.5 mm, and this was associated with a zone of attached gingiva 1 mm wide. Considering that all subjects in this study were periodontally and gingivally healthy, it would appear that satisfactory periodontal and gingival health may be maintained even where the vestibule is shallow.