Buccal Corridor Fill

The negative or empty space between the buccal surfaces of the posterior teeth and the commissures of the mouth during smile is called the buccal corridor.^20,21 The literature is unclear on the impact of the buccal corridor space on smile esthetic perception. Complete fill of the buccal corridor in patients with a complete maxillary denture results in a less esthetic and less natural in appearance, but in patients who have received orthodontic therapy complete fill of the buccal corridor, resulting in display of teeth #3-14 is considered optimal.^21-23, Transverse arch dimension can influence buccal corridor fill; a broad arch generally results in more complete fill of the buccal corridor space than a constricted arch.²² The relative antero-posterior position of the maxilla within the frame of the lips can also impact buccal corridor (Figure 5).^16,20

Figure 5: Incomplete buccal corridor fill related to transverse arch dimension.

Figure 5: Incomplete buccal corridor fill related to transverse arch dimension.