The Lip-Tooth-Ridge Classification: A Guidepost for Edentulous Maxillary Arches. Diagnosis, Risk Assessment, and Implant Treatment Indications

Prosthetic rehabilitation of the edentulous maxilla is known to be challenging and requires meticulous planning. The purpose of this article is to describe a novel classification system, the Lip-Tooth-Ridge (LTR), that offers a guidepost for treatment planning the edentulous maxilla for fixed or removable prostheses. This tool will help clinicians identify the final prosthetic design and will provide a case-specific risk assessment guide regarding two different areas. A high (HER) or low (LER) esthetic risk will be determined based on lip dynamics, as well as a high or low structural risk according to the prosthetic space availability.