Age Changes in Horizontal Condylar Angle: A Clinical and Cephalometric Study

Abstract

Determination of condylar inclination is important when restoring the occlusal surfaces of teeth. It is important to know the changing trends in horizontal condylar inclination with age so as to have an idea about the cuspal morphology. a) to determine the effect of age changes in horizontal condylar inclination using articulator method and radiographic method (cephalometry) b) to compare the values of horizontal condylar inclination obtained using articulator method with that of cephalometric method c) to ascertain the symmetry of horizontal condylar angle on both right and left side on an articulator. 40 dentulous individuals with Angle's class I occlusion were selected for the study. They were divided into four groups Group I: 20-29years, Group II: 30-39years, Group III: 40-49years, Group IV: 50-59years. Horizontal condylar inclination was determined on right and left side for each individual using protrusive interocclusal record in a Dentatus (ARL) semiadjustable articulator. Cephalometric recording was carried out twice on the left side, once in centric occlusion position and then in protrusive position. The two radiographs were superimposed to draw a line connecting the shifting position of condylion on an acetate tracing paper. This line when joined with Frankfurt horizontal plane gives the horizontal condylar inclination. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that there was a significant difference in horizontal condylar angle values in all the four groups which were statistically significant. There is a decrease in horizontal condylar angle values from Group I to Group IV. Horizontal condylar values obtained by articulator method and cephalometric method showed no significant difference for all the four groups tested. When horizontal condylar values obtained on right and left sides of Dentatus articulator were compared there was not much of a significant difference. Horizontal condylar values showed a decreasing trend with increasing age, i.e, as age advances there is a flattening of condylar head. Both articulator and cephalometric method yielded no significantly different values and hence both the methods can be used for determining condylar inclination. The difference in values of horizontal condylar angle on right and left sides were insignificant.