Comparison of Parallelism of Different Levels of Ala-Tragus Lines to Occlusal Plane in Dentate Subjects via Cephalometric Analysis: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: In prosthodontics, fabrication of Complete Denture (CD) is a challenging task because numerous factors have to be taken care of while rehabilitating the patients. The establishment of Occlusal Plane (OP) should be adaptable with the functional activity of the stomatognathic system. Aim: To ascertain the parallelism of different levels of ala-tragus lines to the OP in class 1 occlusion among dentate subjects via cephalometric analysis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics, Maharishi Markandeshwar College of Dental Sciences and Research, Mullana, Ambala, February 2020 to September 2021. A total of 100 subjects were included in the study which included 50 males and 50 females. The various cephalometric parameters traced were Sella (S), Gnathion (Gn), OP, Anterior Nasal Spine (ANS). Metallic balls were placed on the lower border of ala of nose and tragus which was divided into 3 parts: superior, middle and inferior. Lateral cephalograms were shot for all subjects. The data collected was tabulated for easy interpretation and subjected to statistical analysis using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), post-hoc test. Results: The mean angular measurement of angle I was highest followed by angle OP, angle M and least in angle S in both males and females. The comparison of the mean angle S was found to be significant (p<0.001) when subjected to one way ANOVA test, there was non-significant difference observed between angle OP and Angle I in males (p-value 0.464), and Angle OP and Angle M in females (p-value 0.984). Conclusion: Clinically, from the present cephalometric study it can be suggested that in males, the inferior point on the tragus and in females, the middle point on the tragus can be used to mark the camper’s plane.