Comparative evaluation of the most reliable posterior reference point of Camper′s plane in relation with hamular notch-incisive papilla plane with change in gender of edentulous subjects: A cephalometric study

Abstract

Statement of the Problem: Camper's plane is widely used to orient occlusal plane in edentulous patients, but the most reliable posterior reference point of Camper's plane is controversial. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the most reliable posterior reference point of Camper's plane in relation with hamular notch-incisive papilla (HIP) plane with change in gender of edentulous subjects. Materials and Methods: The study was performed on 20 males and 20 females in the age group of 50-65 years. The conventional method of primary and secondary impression making was followed. The deepest point of the right hamular notch and the center of the incisive papilla was marked with an indelible marker on the master casts. Two spherical metal ball bearings of 3.1 mm were attached to the cast at the marked points, using cyanoacrylate resin. Autopolymerizing acrylic resin was adapted over the cast to construct the temporary denture base. Three spherical metal ball bearings were attached to superior, middle, and inferior part of the tragus and one at the ala of nose. A lateral cephalogram was made placing the temporary denture base in position intraorally. Cephalometric image analysis was done using Adobe Photoshop CS5. Results: Descriptive statistics of the data showed, in males, Camper's plane with superior point on tragus has a mean score of 8.71 ± 4.45, with middle point on tragus has 4.35 ± 3.17 and an inferior point on tragus has 4.01 ± 2.23. In females, Camper's plane with superior point on tragus has a mean score of 5.65 ± 2.64, with middle point on tragus has mean score of 2.71 ± 2.51, and inferior has 5.72 ± 3.09. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, it was concluded that in males, Camper's plane with posterior reference point as inferior border of tragus was the most parallel to HIP plane and in females, middle border of tragus was most parallel as the posterior reference point of Camper's plane in relation to HIP plane.