Evaluating the co-relation between vertical dimension of occlusion and the height of the external ear

Abstract

Background: Accurate measurement of Vertical Dimension of Occlusion is a very important step for the success of any prosthesis. It maintains the vertical height of the face and overall esthetic appearance of the patient. Various methods have been postulated to determine Vertical Dimension measurements, but no method is more accurate than the other. Aim and Objective: To determine a correlation between the Height of external Ear and vertical dimension of occlusion. Methodology: This study was conducted on 120 dentate subjects (60 males and 60 females) in the age range of 18-25 years. Each participant included, had all teeth present excluding 3rd molars, Class 1 jaw relation, and a harmonious as well as symmetrical face. Anthropometric measurements were recorded clinically in millimeters using a modified digital Vernier calliper. The data was input into a SPSSV.21 statistical software package for analysis. Pearson's correlation coefficient test was utilized to study the correlation. Result: The mean height of external ear was 61.14 mm in males and 58.55 mm in females. The mean vertical dimension of occlusion(VDO) was 62.15 mm in males and 58.55 mm in females. The results showed a significant correlation between the pair. onclusion: This is a novel technique, using height of external ear as a guide, for measurement of VDO.