Correlation between vertical dimensions of occlusion with accepted anatomical facial landmarks and digit measurements in dentulous subjects-A cross sectional study

Abstract

Accurate recording of occlusal vertical dimension in edentulous patients is always a prime consideration for an operator but subjective in nature and depends on esthetics and phonetics. Although there are many techniques used for recording vertical dimension at occlusion; still, there is no objective reference point against which, the recorded OVD can be verified.The aim of this study was to correlate the vertical dimension of occlusion with accepted anatomical facial landmarks and digit measurements in dentulous subjects.To derive a correlation between OVD and demographics (Age and gender); to validate specific facial and digit measurements which can be used to verify the recorded OVD.: Cross sectional study51 adult dentulous volunteers were selected for the study. Various facial and digit measurements were recorded and the correlation between OVD and these measurements was checked using independent sample t test. The correlation was analysed using Pearson’s methodThere is no correlation between Vertical dimension of occlusion (OVD) and facial or digit measurements.The Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient was determined. Among the digit measurements, OVD was significantly (p-value<0.001) correlated with distance between tip of the thumb and tip of index finger, Length of thumb and Length of index finger with (r) of 0.796 [high], r=0.662 (moderate) & r=0.509; exhibiting moderate correlation respectively.Among the facial measurements, OVD was significantly (p-value<0.001) correlated with Subnasion menton distance [SM], Centre of pupil to stomion [PS] and distance between Lateral corner of the mouth and lateral canthus of the eye [ME] with r=0.854 (high), r=0.728 (high), & r=0.709 (high) respectively.Various facial and finger measurements can be utilised as adjuncts for the estimation and verification of occlusal vertical dimension.